{"id":12129,"date":"2023-01-03T23:35:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-04T04:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carehop.ca\/blog\/is-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-linked-to-depression\/"},"modified":"2023-01-03T23:35:00","modified_gmt":"2023-01-04T04:35:00","slug":"is-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-linked-to-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carehop.ca\/fr\/blog\/is-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-linked-to-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Linked to Depression?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=\u00a0\u00bb1″ admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbsection\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.16″ global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbpost_content\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.16″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbpost_content\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.16″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbpost_content\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.17.6″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0″ global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbpost_content\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0″]

Now that we\u2019re in the throes of January, many people in Southern Ontario have to adjust to cold temperatures, inclement weather, and days with the fewest daylight hours. You might find yourself staying in more than you would during the summer.<\/p>\n

For many people, it\u2019s also a time when mental health symptoms start becoming more noticeable. If your elderly loved one is beginning to show signs of depression during the winter, they may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD).<\/p>\n

Is seasonal affective disorder a form of depression?<\/h2>\n

Although SAD is considered to be linked to depression, it stands apart because the symptoms tend to set in or become worse over the winter months. In addition, it can affect people who show no or minimal signs of depression during the spring, summer, or fall.<\/p>\n

Changes in daylight that disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm and trigger hormonal changes are thought to cause SAD. Lack of socialization and seemingly endless consecutive days of freezing temperatures can also play a role in developing the condition.<\/p>\n

Are older people more at risk of SAD?<\/h2>\n

Although mental health doesn’t discriminate, older people are often particularly vulnerable to developing SAD because they\u2019re often more isolated than younger people.<\/p>\n

Older adults usually take fewer opportunities to socialize over the winter due to inclement weather, icy sidewalks that make walking dangerous, chronic illness, or mobility issues.<\/p>\n

A lack of vitamin D from sunlight deficiency may also contribute to SAD<\/a>. Although this deficiency is common in people of all ages, physical health changes that happen as we age put older people at an increased risk. Vitamin D helps manage mood and energy levels, so a deficiency can lead to symptoms that suggest depression.<\/p>\n

What are the signs of seasonal affective disorder?<\/h2>\n

There are many signs to watch for that might indicate that your elderly loved one has developed SAD during the winter months. It\u2019s crucial to monitor your loved one for any behavioural changes so you can take steps to help preserve their well-being.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the more common symptoms of SAD:<\/p>\n