As people gets older, they become more susceptible to a variety of health problems. One condition that seniors are at increased risk for is seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that is triggered by changes in seasons, and it can cause symptoms like fatigue, trouble sleeping, and loss of interest in activities. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to SAD because they are often less active and have less exposure to sunlight. As a result, they may not get the vitamin D and other nutrients that they need to stay healthy.
When seniors experience signs of SAD, most of them turn online to try to find answers. But this can be dangerous for many reasons that we'll discuss in this article.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Shares Symptoms With Other Conditions
The first issue is that SAD shares many of its symptoms with other conditions, so it can be difficult to diagnose correctly. For instance, fatigue and trouble sleeping are also common symptoms of anxiety and depression. This means that seniors who turn to the internet for help with their SAD may end up misdiagnosing themselves and seeking treatment for the wrong condition.
Even if seniors manage to diagnose their SAD correctly, the internet is full of bad advice about how to treat it. A lot of the advice out there is based on outdated information or myths. For example, some people think SAD can be cured by simply getting more exposure to sunlight. But this isn't necessarily true. In fact, for some people, exposure to sunlight can make their symptoms worse.
Inaccurate or Harmful Information
Many websites that offer advice on SAD are not written by medical professionals and may contain inaccurate or even harmful information that could make seniors' symptoms worse. For example, some websites recommend using light therapy to treat SAD, but they don't mention that this treatment can cause eye damage if it's not done properly. Others suggest taking supplements but fail to mention that this herb or that vitamin could interact with seniors' medications and cause serious side effects.
Self-Diagnosis and Treatment
Another problem with seniors searching the internet for answers to their SAD questions is that they may self-diagnose. This can lead to them taking unnecessary and even harmful treatments, or it can cause them to miss out on getting the help they need from a medical professional.
For example, a senior who thinks they have SAD may start taking medication for depression. But if their symptoms are caused by another condition, the medication could make things worse. Alternatively, a senior who self-diagnoses their SAD may try to treat it with home remedies which may not be effective and could even be dangerous.
Unnecessary Worry and Expenses
In addition to the risks of inaccurate information and self-diagnosis, seniors also need to be aware that searching for answers to their SAD questions online can cause unnecessary worry and expense. For example, a senior who reads that SAD is caused by a deficiency in vitamin D may start taking supplements, even if they're not deficient.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that seniors need to be careful when they're searching for information about SAD online. If they have questions, they should talk to their doctor, and, if they're thinking about starting any kind of treatment for SAD, they should make sure to do their research and talk to their doctor first.
Senior Helpers Racine provides in-home health services that can help seniors with seasonal affective disorder get the treatment they need. Our caregivers can also provide practical support, like helping seniors get outside for some fresh air and sunlight, or providing transportation to doctor's appointments. Senior Helpers Racine serves Kenosha, Union Grove, and Pleasant Prairie. For more information about how Senior Helpers Racine can help seniors with SAD, contact us today.