I’m often asked this question because people notice a change in how they feel throughout the year, but question if it’s a coincidence, their imagination or if it’s real. Seasonal Depression is a real thing. It’s more than “winter blues” or feeling “blah”.
Seasonal Depression, formerly known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, usually affects adults, often women more than men. Typically it starts in early fall and continues through the winter months, with symptoms lifting as the spring weather develops.
This increase in depressive symptoms has been linked to a decrease in the amount of sunlight during those months as well as the shorter hours of daylight. This can affect the internal biological clock that shifts from awake mode to sleep mode. Also the farther you live away from the equator or if you live in a cloudy region, the worse the symptoms may be because the number of daylight hours lessens and the less sunlight that you receive. Another theory is that the lack of sunlight causes more production of melatonin. Melatonin is a chemical in the body that helps control the sleep-wake cycle. Some believe that may be a factor in people feeling increased sleepiness or sluggishness.
Signs that You or Someone You Love May Have Seasonal Depression
The signs of seasonal depression are very similar to signs of Major Depression, with an increase surrounding the winter months and a decrease heading into the summer months. This includes:
Increased sadness or depressed mood
Increased loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Increase or decrease in appetite, often overeating or craving carbohydrates
Increase or decrease in weight, usually weight gain
Increase or decrease in sleep, usually oversleeping, sleeping too much or difficulty getting up in the mornings after a full night sleep.
Loss of energy, feeling tired or “dragging” throughout the day, even possibly after oversleeping.
Increase in restlessness or feeling sluggish.
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, helplessness or hopelessness.
Trouble concentrating, staying focused or making decisions
Feeling like the world would be better off without you or going to bed at night and hoping that you don’t wake up.
Thoughts of death or suicide or attempts at suicide. Increased thoughts of death.
Although less common, some people have seasonal depression during the spring and summer months. For those that experience that, common symptoms usually include
· Decrease ability to sleep, sleeping less or Insomnia
· Poor appetite
· Increased activity or weight loss
· Feeling extra agitated or anxious
When to Get Help
Emotions are normal and healthy. It’s normal to feel sad some days or “not feel happy all the time.” However, a sadness that doesn’t go away can be a concern.
So, if you start noticing that you or someone you love is either getting sad more often and having trouble pulling themselves out of it, it may be time to get help. This is also true if you are sad for days at a time or if you have a lack of desire to “do anything”.
How to Get Help for Seasonal Depression
If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait. Depression treatment is effective and will help reduce or alleviate these symptoms. If you are having significant depressive symptoms or thinking often about death or suicide:
· Text HOME to 741741. This is available 24/7 to anyone in the United States. It is a confidential crisis text line.
· 988 is the National Crisis and Suicide Lifeline. You can Text or Call this number 24/7 for help in English and Spanish.
· Call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room for immediate assistance in person.
If you would like to see a therapist for depression counseling and feel that we may be the right fit for your needs, contact me below or call to schedule an appointment or inquire about a 15 minute consultation.