Differing severity’s of SAD

applesewer · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 4:22 pm Post subject: Differing severity’s of SAD

Do you think SAD comes in varying severity’s depending on the individual?

If so, what do you think the reasons for this could be?

Ads7800 · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 4:31 pm Post subject:

I absolutely believe that SAD can be worse for some than it is for others. I remember being in a SP group and there was this guy that didn't seem to shut up while others obviously couldn't wait to leave, myself included.

applesewer · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2005 11:24 am Post subject:

Do you think that has more to do with the guys attitude to his condition than him possibly having some kind of genetically less severe case of SAD?

He might have had the worse case out of everybody, but just fought it the hardest.

FruitLooPs · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2005 11:57 am Post subject:

For sure, I for instance am on the very mild end of SAD.

I'd think its more to do with genetics and your upbringing rather than how hard you try to overcome it.

Although people with severe SAD could be open in certain circumstances possibly, especially after some form of treatment.

I've got a family with a history for mental health issues, but I had a good upbringing and my school days while not excellent were not that bad really (no bullying etc).

Had things in school been different I think I could've been much worse than I am now, so i've got something to be thankful for. Smile

My attitude towards getting better is pretty bad really, I could probably overcome it if i really tried, but I don't. I guess its not at the point where its bad enough to force me to do something yet.

Whereas some people put all their heart and soul into getting past it and just can't - genetics may play a part here? Confused

applesewer · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2005 1:36 pm Post subject:

I agree. I think SAD does come in varying severity’s and I think genetic and environmental factors are the main reason for this.
I still think a person’s attitude to their condition can make a big difference to their general quality of life…but I don’t know everybody’s experiences…some may disagree.

But I think genetics is a big factor. There’s one person in the personal stories who talked about shaking hands when they were a toddler…I know I never had anything like that. I think, if you have a family history of mental illness, then you’re more likely to have either severe cases of SAD or other mental conditions such as depression thrown in there too. But there’s still a certain amount of random generation at conception, so who knows?

Also, environmental factors I reckon are stuff like if you have critical parents or any kind of traumatic childhood experience, including being bullied, that will add to the severity of your condition. Plus, I also think naturally shy people seem to end up with worse cases of SAD…I guess things like confrontations are that little bit harder for them? Maybe, I dunno.

And lastly I think SAD seems to be a lot harder to cope with in school, due to the immense amounts of peer pressure you’re forced to deal with everyday. I think, generally, once you leave school, peer pressure levels drop, and most people in your age group begin to mature a bit more and criticise less. Again, some may wanna disagree.

Fredscarecrow · Advanced User Joined: Dec 11, 2004 Posts: 423

i think SAD definately varies...but then you can see that from everyones post...i mean..there are people on here that speak of bieng totally unable to leave the house, i can and i can go into busy places BUT i cannot socialise, or talk to people. i think its both genetics, and upbringing, and your own opinions and views