In her interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Adele revealed that she has been struggling with seasonal depression, which greatly affects her mental condition.
In addition, the English singer-songwriter, Adele disclosed that she prefers to be in Los Angeles for the winter months rather than being in England where the weather is changing.
“It’s really bad seasonal depression,” confessed Adele who was comparing how growing up British is different from living in LA and its good climate affect her moods.
While it was not explicitly stated that she has a clinical diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), she admitted that winter increasingly interferes with her daily life.
“It’s a bit harder for me to go out nowadays” – she admired how LA houses are mostly used for social meetings as opposed to public places of gathering.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): An In-depth Look at It
Seasonal Affective Disorder often referred to as SAD is a type of depression that recurs only during specific seasons, typically when there are shorter days of light such as winter.
Many people have what might be called “winter blues,” but fewer meet the criteria for SAD. There are many signs of SAD including:
- Chronic feelings of sadness and depression
- Extreme oversleeping or increased energy loss
- Shifts in appetite
- Difficulties focusing
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Thoughts about committing suicide or killing oneself
- Causes and Occurrence of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Several factors can lead to SAD vulnerability, which include having family members who have had it, having biological issues and being psychologically affected. However, it is more common among young women.
SAD occurrence peaks mainly during fall and winter seasons due to prevailing low temperatures and reduced daylight hours.
Such changes in environment tend to cause chemical imbalances within the brain resulting into temporary depressive symptoms.
Approaches to Minimizing Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Living with SAD is not easy, but there are several ways to outsmart it and make it have less effect on one’s daily life especially during winter:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Diagnosis by a professional and application of CBT techniques can be helpful in developing coping mechanisms for SAD.
Light Therapy: Some studies show that exposure to light boxes that emit at least 10,000 lux for about 30 minutes per day helps in regulating the circadian rhythms and mitigating SAD signs.
Outdoor Exposure: Even when outdoors during the cold months, daylight hours are still useful as long as people stay near any natural source of light.
Physical Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activities such as aerobics or calming practices like yoga facilitates mood regulation and minimizes SAD symptoms.
Potential Use of Antidepressant Medication: In some cases, prescribed antidepressants can help manage symptoms of SAD. However, consultation with healthcare providers is necessary.
Geographical Relocation: Moving to warmer regions that experience more sunlight during winter could alleviate SAD symptoms for some people.
Prevalence of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Effects and Coping Strategies
Statistics indicate that almost three percent of Canadians suffer from the disease every year; this represents about ten percent of all depression cases.
The country’s geographical location is characterized by shorter and colder winter days which makes them more vulnerable to catching up with SAD.
The above strategies should be considered by patients struggling with SAD. In addition, guidance from healthcare professionals or physicians will enable one develop effective approaches suitable to their individual requirements.
Discussions regarding mental health during seasonal transitions are given meaning as Adele shares her journey with depression, which highlights the high prevalence of SAD and its effects.
The coping mechanisms shared by sufferers who experience such challenges at wintertime serves as a source of optimism for others in the same situation.