Self Diagnosing the problem

I used to think that I had Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder because when we get long stretches of sunshine-y days I get cranky. I need the clouds. I grew up with them. They bring me serenity. Plus my aging light sensitive eyes need the break from the UV rays!

Out of curiosity I looked up Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder. That’s not what I have. Here is what the Mayo Clinic shows as symptoms of R-SAD.

Reverse seasonal affective disorder
In some people, spring and summer can bring on symptoms of mania or a less intense form of mania (hypomania). These can include elevated mood, agitation, and rapid thoughts and speech. Reverse seasonal affective disorder is a form of bipolar disorder.

Signs and symptoms of reverse seasonal affective disorder include:

·         Persistently elevated mood

·         Increased social activity

·         Hyperactivity

·         Unbridled enthusiasm out of proportion to the situation

This is definitely not me. However, looking at the symptoms of ‘regular’ SAD sounded more like me:

Fall and winter seasonal affective disorder (winter depression)
Winter-onset seasonal affective disorder symptoms include:

·         Depression  (check)

·         Hopelessness

·         Anxiety (check; though that may be bills relatedJ)

·         Loss of energy (double check)

·         Social withdrawal (this is normal for me anyway)

·         Oversleeping (I call it hibernating)

·         Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed (I battle dysmythia anyway)

·         Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates (well, yes)

·         Weight gain (unfortunately, my BMI is dangerously high)

·         Difficulty concentrating and processing information

 

See, I always thought that winter SAD was more lack of Vitamin D from not as much sun exposure. Shows how much I know!

Courtesy of

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195/DSECTION=symptoms