With the weather becoming colder and the sun going down earlier, it’s easy to start to feel more emotions. Winter creates a whole different atmosphere, which makes us miss the warmer weather and longer days. The winter season has always been one that brings out depression for some. Not having enough sunlight outside causes many to go through a rough patch. The lack of vitamin D those are facing can cause feelings of depression, anxiety, fatigue and loneliness.
Seasonal depression is a mood disorder that occurs the same time every year, usually around the time when it gets darker earlier. This disorder causes people to feel different during the winter months. When it gets dark earlier, it’s hard to go out and do some of the activities you did during the fall or summer. Those who love sitting out all day in the sun have an issue when they’re not able to soak up the nutrients for as long as they’re used to. With the long hours of sun that occur in the summer, most people absorb all of the vitamin D they need. However, when it starts to get darker and there’s a lack of sunlight, many lack vitamin D, which has been proven to increase your mood level and overall happiness. The sudden lack of a mood booster can make mood levels decrease along with your happiness level.
The cold weather that occurs in the winter months creates negative moods too. It’s hard to get out of bed in the morning and go to class or work when you know how freezing it will be when you step outside. Many college students know the struggle of trying to get up to go to your 8 a.m. class when you look at the weather and it’s 30 degrees out. Getting stuck in the constant loop of wanting to stay under your warm covers can make you drowsy and unmotivated. A lot of students find it hard to stay motivated throughout the winter months because of how cold and dark it becomes.
Since seasonal depression usually only occurs when there’s less sunlight, many people believe it’s not a real thing. Disorders related to depression have always been overlooked in the eyes of society. Even though it affects over 10 million people a year, it has not been taken seriously for a long time. Many believe that if you try to be happier then all of your feelings and emotions will go away. However, this is hard to do and almost impossible for someone with depression to just tell themselves to be happy.
There’s a huge stigma against seasonal depression and other mental illnesses. This stigma includes people believing that those with depression are lying and seeking attention. Not being supported when you have a mental illness can lead you to feeling stupid or unimportant. Most people don’t take it as seriously as other chronic illnesses like heart disease or diabetes; however, seasonal depression, or any type of depression, can cause physical problems along with emotional ones. It can cause insomnia, decreased appetite, fatigue and can increase the chances of substance abuse.
Trying to deal with your seasonal depression can be rough, but there are ways that you can feel better. One step is to start preparing yourself for how your mood may change during the fall. When you start to feel a little breeze, you can start mentally preparing yourself for the emotions that are about to start. You can also get moving and spend your time with friends and family. Keeping your mind on other things can help you forget how you’re feeling and take your mind off it. Of course, you can always meet with your doctor or therapist for treatments to help. Either will provide treatments that are catered toward you and your health. Even though it may be hard, you’ll be able to get through this tough season and then enjoy the warm months that are coming.