Seasonal Affective Disorder During Rainy Days in Bali

Did the title of this article make you raise your eyebrows a little? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in Bali? Really? Yes, really! 

If you live in Bali or have ever lived here, you would be no stranger to the oh-so-gloomy rainy days during the wet season. Even Bali has its share of cloudy days and pouring rain that can lead to seasonal affective disorder, ironically also known as SAD. 

Though awareness about SAD is higher in countries with cold winters, SAD is also a real thing in Bali and the rest of Indonesia. Therefore, if you have been wondering why it seems like rainy days change how you feel and behave, check out the following must-know facts about SAD! 

What is seasonal affective disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that only appears during certain seasons, usually during winter and fall. In Bali, SAD appears during the wet season. 

What are the common symptoms of seasonal affective disorder?

According to the National Health Service (United Kingdom), the symptoms of SAD are similar to those of depression (major depressive disorder). However, SAD happens repetitively at a particular time of year, with a seasonal pattern. 

The symptoms of SAD may include a persistent low mood, irritability, a loss of interest in everyday activities, feelings of despair, guilt, and worthlessness, sleeping for longer than usual (hypersomnia) and finding it hard to get up in the morning, feeling lethargic and sleepy during the day, craving carbs followed by weight gain, difficulty concentrating, and decreased sex drive. 

How severe can these SAD symptoms get? 

The severity of the symptoms varies from one person to the other. If you believe that your SAD symptoms are severe and significantly impact your daily activities, please see a GP immediately. 

Your GP will perform a mental health assessment and may refer you to a mental health specialist. 

What is the cause of SAD?

Unfortunately, the exact cause of SAD is unknown. However, the seasonal affective disorder is often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during shorter days in autumn and winter in certain countries. In settings like Bali, SAD is linked to the decreased level of sunlight during gloomy and rainy days. 

According to the National Health Service (United Kingdom), the theory for what causes SAD is that the lack of sunlight might stop the part of our brain called the hypothalamus from working properly, affecting:

• The production of melatonin, a hormone that makes you sleepy. People with SAD may produce this hormone at higher levels than considered normal.
• The production of serotonin, the aforementioned feel-good hormone.
• The body’s internal clock that uses sunlight to time various important functions, such as waking up. 

Furthermore, some experts have suggested that SAD may be genetic. 

What are the treatments for SAD?

If you believe that you may have the seasonal affective disorder, the first step you need to take is to visit your GP. After performing your mental health assessment, your GP will recommend the most suitable treatment based on the severity and nature of your symptoms. 

The main treatments for SAD are lifestyle measures, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), antidepressants, and light therapy.

Once again, if you believe you might be suffering from SAD, please consult your GP as soon as possible. Our English-speaking team of excellent doctors at Prime Plus Medical in Canggu is ready to assist you 24/7.