As the days have become darker and we transition from summer to fall and winter, have you been feeling sadder than usual? Have less energy? Trouble concentrating? Maybe, you are sleeping or eating more than usual.
These are only some of the symptoms of seasonal depression. Others include “loss of interest in things you used to enjoy,” “feelings of guilt or worthlessness,” or even “thoughts of suicide.”
If you have symptoms such as these, then maybe seasonal depression is worth looking into and asking your doctor. and asking your doctor.
What is Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal depression is also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is a “mood disorder that happens every year at about the same time.” It can happen in any season, but it typically occurs in the fall or winter.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), particular symptoms of winter-pattern seasonal depression include oversleeping, overeating (particularly craving for carbohydrates), and social withdrawal.
As for summer-pattern seasonal depression, symptoms include trouble sleeping, poor appetite, restlessness, agitation, anxiety, and violent or aggressive behavior.
Possible Causes
The exact cause of seasonal depression is not clear, but scientists have many ideas.
One idea for winter-pattern seasonal depression is that “less sunlight during fall and winter leads your brain to make less serotonin,” which is a chemical in your body that “mood, sleep, digestion, blood clotting, and sex drive.”
This decrease in serotonin and this disruption of your body’s internal clock and melatonin (a chemical that plays a role in sleep patterns and mood) can result in “feelings of depression, along with fatigue and weight gain.”
On the other hand, one idea for summer pattern seasonal depression is that increased exposure to light may disrupt sleep patterns.
Additionally, factors, such as family history of seasonal depression, having major depression or bipolar disorder, living far from the equator, and low levels of vitamin D, may also increase your risk of seasonal depression.
Managing Seasonal Depression
There are many different ways that people can try to manage seasonal depression:
• spending time outside during the day
• eating a well-balanced diet for energy
• exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes a day
• staying “involved with your social circle.”
More clinically, if you are diagnosed with seasonal depression, your doctor may prescribe traditional antidepressants such as Bupropion XL, which is used to prevent “major depressive episodes in people with [seasonal depression].” You may also find cognitive behavior therapy or light therapy to be effective in managing your symptoms.
Conclusion
Ultimately, if you suspect that you may have seasonal depression, it may be best to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Bringing your concerns and questions to a medical professional may be the best way to diagnose seasonal depression and to understand how to manage seasonal depression.
Recognizing the symptoms of seasonal depression is especially important because seasonal depression can start in “young adulthood and is more common in women.” Additionally, mild to severe symptoms can “interfere with relationships and work.”
Seasonal depression is something to be addressed, not ignored or dismissed.