How to Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder in Chico Senior Living
To reverse seasonal affective disorder, focus on your diet, socializing, and exposure to sunlight. Applying these seasonal mental health tips can enhance your retirement in Chico, CA.
According to the American Heart Association, between 1.4% and 9.7% of people living in North America experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Rates for those living in the northernmost latitudes reach as high as 10%. For some people, symptoms can become so severe that they're disabling.
Take control of your mental and physical health this year to reverse seasonal affective disorder. With these winter wellness tips, you can enjoy your retirement in Chico, CA. Read on for a healthy mood and aging today!
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or seasonal depression, is a type of depression triggered by changes in the season. It occurs when there are fewer hours of sunlight, usually beginning in the fall. Symptoms may worsen as the weather gets colder and improve as spring begins.
SAD is a form of depression. Symptoms can become so severe that they affect daily functioning. It can also affect how you think and feel.
SAD may cause symptoms of depression and mood changes, including:
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling agitated or irritated
- Feeling sad most of the day, almost daily
- Carbohydrate cravings and weight gain
- Anxiety
- Lack of energy or extreme fatigue
- Feeling worthless or hopeless
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Oversleeping
What is the Main Cause of SAD?
Researchers don't know the exact cause of SAD, though sunlight can trigger symptoms. Potential causes include:
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Low serotonin levels
- Changes to your biological clock
- Increased melatonin levels
Sun exposure helps your body naturally produce vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a role in emotional regulation and serotonin production. Getting less exposure to sunlight during the winter can cause a drop in serotonin production, which is linked to feelings of depression.
Serotonin is also associated with sleep and appetite. Failing to get enough sleep can further affect your mood.
Sunlight exposure affects your body's internal clock (circadian rhythm). Disruptions to your body clock can trigger symptoms.
How to Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder
Don't let the winter weather affect your mental or physical health. Use these tips to reverse seasonal affective disorder.
Soak in the Sun
Enjoy time outside by engaging in winter weather activities, including:
- Sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Building snowmen
- Skiing
Spending time outside will give you more exposure to sunlight, which can boost your mood. Two hours of exposure to natural settings weekly can also support better overall well-being.
Exercise
Exercising can stimulate neurotransmitters that affect mood, including serotonin and dopamine. You can find exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program, including:
- Water aerobics or swimming
- Tai chi
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Weight training
- Walking
- Hiking
Try exercising outside to get more sunlight exposure.
Engage in Activities
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness are associated with a higher risk of:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Depression
- Anxiety
- A weakened immune system
- Cognitive decline
- Alzheimer's disease
- Death
Reach out to members of your Chico, CA community. Spending time with friends can improve your mood and outlook on life. You can discover opportunities to socialize through your senior living community's events and activities calendar.
Make time for laughter. Laughter can ease stress, brighten your mood, and make aging more enjoyable.
Consider Chico, CA Senior Care
Instead of applying these winter wellness tips alone, consider moving into a senior living community. Their exclusive senior lifestyle programs may cover:
- Dining
- Exercise
- Events and activities
These support services may improve your mood and aging processes.
Seek Emotional Support In Retirement
Seeking seasonal mental health treatment can help you manage your symptoms. A mental health professional may recommend:
- Antidepressant medicine
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Light therapy
- Lifestyle changes
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Toughest Month of SAD?
Symptoms of SAD usually begin in the fall and continue into the winter months. They can become more severe as there are fewer hours of sunlight. Symptoms usually don't improve until the arrival of spring.
The most challenging months for people with seasonal affective disorder are January and February. Though it's less common, people can also experience symptoms during the summer.
SAD is associated with shorter daylight hours and less sunlight. Sunlight exposure affects the body's natural production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin. These brain chemicals can affect the body's mood and circadian rhythm.
If you're not getting enough sunlight exposure during the summer, consider using light therapy. Bright light therapy involves sitting in front of a light box for 20 minutes a day, first thing in the morning. You may notice improvements within one or two weeks of starting light therapy treatment.
Who Is At Risk of SAD?
People who are at risk of seasonal affective disorder include:
- Individuals who live in cloudy regions
- People who have relatives with SAD, depression, or other mental health conditions
- Individuals with another mood disorder (like bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder)
- People living at latitudes far north or south of the equator (where there's less sunlight during the winter)
SAD more commonly affects people between the ages of 18 and 30. It's more common in women than in men.
If you believe you're at risk of developing SAD, consult a mental health professional. The criteria for a SAD diagnosis is:
- Having depressive episodes more frequently during the winter than in other seasons
- Having depressive episodes during the winter for at least two consecutive years
- Experiencing symptoms of major depression
Discover Improved Mood and Aging in Chico
Learning how to reverse seasonal affective disorder will allow you to make the most of the winter weather. Use these effective tips or seek emotional support in retirement through your local senior living community. Their resources can help you make the most of your life in Chico, CA.
Discover newly renovated apartment homes, updated amenities, and inviting community spaces at Provincial Chico. We offer Independent Living with supportive services, allowing you to live a maintenance-free, independent lifestyle.
Enjoy mouth-watering meals through our chef-prepared homestyle dining, robust events like educational programs and themed parties, and fun exercise classes like Bean Bag Baseball. Contact us now to schedule your tour!