Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms may increase as the days become shorter and the temperature drops.
The National Institute of Mental Health states that symptoms could include despondency and exhaustion. Social disengagement, overeating, and oversleeping are all typical behaviors for people with SAD.
Although SAD is typically linked to cold climates, Houstonians can still receive a diagnosis of SAD, according to Dr. Asim Shah, a professor and executive vice chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine.
According to Shah, Houston’s winters are typically quite moderate. We experienced a lot of overcast weather a few years back as well. In other words, there wasn’t much sun. People may have seasonal affective disorder if the weather is that bad.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, 5% of adults suffer with SAD. According to Shah, the Houston area may possibly be home to a less common form of SAD.
He claimed that because of too much sun exposure, we have seen a second form of seasonal affective illness in recent years. Winter seasonal affective disorder is a little different from those symptoms. Anger, agitation, mood swings, irritability, and becoming a bit irritable.
The hottest summers in Houston are thought to have occurred between 2011 and 2023. It is still unclear why certain people may experience summer SAD, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada. However, heat, humidity, and longer days could all be contributing factors.
Regular exercise can help reduce the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, according to Baylor College of Medicine. The body releases feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine when you exercise. According to Shah, routine offers predictability and structure.
According to him, people with psychiatric and emotional issues typically lack structure in their lives and are prone to worry and sadness. They can breathe thanks to structure.
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