Although falls and hypothermia are the primary concerns for caregivers during winter, senior citizens are also at risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and lack of vitamin D, which can affect their physical and mental health.
SAD is a type of depression associated with changes in seasons. It starts during fall, continues in winter, and resolves in spring and summer. In rare cases, it can alternate. Seniors and caregivers need to know the symptoms to begin the steps of overcoming the disorder.
The common signs of seasonal affective disorder include:
1. Loss of Energy
The senior adult feels severe fatigue making simple and regular activities seem too difficult. In fact, even getting out of bed will feel like a huge task. A 2018 study revealed that fatigue occurs in approximately 90% of patients with depressive disorders.
2. Problems Sleeping
A person affected by SAD will feel excessively sleepy during the day and probably sleep longer than normal hours during the night. According to research, people with SAD sleep two hours or longer during winter nights. It is also common to have frequent nightmares that affect sleep quality.
Another study in 2016 found that 16% of participants with SAD also had nightmares, as opposed to 2.4% of those without the disorder.
3. Cravings and Overeating
People with seasonal affective disorder often crave foods high in carbohydrates and sugars, such as junk foods and sweets, which leads to overeating and gradual weight gain.
Several studies have also linked major depressive disorders, including SAD, with food addiction. Individuals should work with a specialist to determine whether their weight gain is associated with depression.
4. Social Isolation
As the senior loved one starts falling into SAD, they will tend to avoid social contact, often skipping activities they previously enjoyed. This is the opposite of what they need during this time, as it will only serve to worsen how they feel. They require friends and family or a professional in-home caregiver to reconnect.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
SAD can impair memory and attention, making the individual have a lack of concentration. This also explains why they will lose interest in activities they previously preferred.
6. Feeling Sad and Hopeless
Like all other depressions, the affected person feels sad for extended periods. In fact, they may also feel empty, helpless, hopeless, and worthless. This is because they are unhappy and do not know when the feeling will end or feel their life has no meaning.
7. Other Symptoms
Other symptoms of SAD include increased irritability, change in personal hygiene, insomnia, decreased sex drive, and trouble thinking clearly. The person may also experience physical health problems such as colds and infections.
Seek the Help of a Caregiver in Portland West!
Knowing the risk factors and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder helps to identify them sooner and begin proper ways to prevent and manage it. You can try opening windows to increase light exposure or adapt regular physical activities.
Our caregivers in Senior Helpers Portland West are adequately trained to help provide high-quality life by assisting seniors in meal preparation, dressing, running errands, companionship, as well as other services. Contact us for personalized assistance in Lake Oswego, Hillsboro, Beaverton, and other areas around Oregon.