Does Sad Get Worse With Age?
Does Sad Get Worse With Age
The question, “Does sad get worse with age?” is often asked by people who are experiencing a depressive episode. While research does not show that SAD is worse with age, older people may find it harder to overcome the symptoms of SAD because of physical and mental changes associated with aging. Those with SAD may have weight gain, sleepiness, and lethargy that are more difficult to manage.
SAD is a type of depression that can be treated. Treatment includes light therapy, talk therapy, and antidepressants. The treatments can also be combined to make sure the right ones are used to help you manage your symptoms.
Symptoms of SAD include a sense of hopelessness or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, low energy, poor appetite, and weight gain. They can also include social withdrawal, irritability, and a reluctance to engage in activities that are normally enjoyable.
Causes and Risk Factors of SAD
There are several risk factors for SAD, including being female, living far from the equator, and having a family history of SAD or another depression-like condition (such as bipolar disorder). Women are more likely to have SAD than men, and they are more likely to have SAD in areas that have longer winters than in areas with shorter winters.
The length of daylight in fall and winter is linked to the levels of serotonin, melatonin, and other neurotransmitters in your body. In people with SAD, the change in daylight causes a decrease in these neurotransmitters, which can lead to depression.
Some studies have found that vitamin D, a nutrient produced by the body when exposed to sunlight, can play an important role in managing SAD. If your loved one is struggling with SAD, encourage them to seek help from their doctor to determine whether vitamin D deficiency may be at the root of their symptoms.
Your doctor will perform a medical exam and ask questions about your health and symptoms. They may order lab tests to make sure there is no other reason for your symptoms. If your doctor thinks that SAD is the cause, they will prescribe treatment.
Treatment for SAD involves three main methods: light therapy, talk therapy, and medications. These methods are usually effective for most people who have SAD.
Light therapy uses a box that emits bright light during the day. It typically requires 20 minutes or more of sitting in front of this light each day, especially first thing in the morning during the winter months.
Using other strategies, such as getting more sunlight and eating healthy foods, can also be helpful for managing SAD. Lifestyle changes can be a very effective way to improve your mood and reduce the symptoms of SAD.
For more information about mental health and how it can affect your life, visit the NIMH Mental Health Information page. You can also learn about SAD and other common mental disorders by speaking with your doctor or a mental health professional.
