How To Tell If You Are Suffering From Seasonal Depression

Seasonal depression impacts millions of people. Some people simply get the “winter blues” for a few months each year, while others struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and deal with debilitating symptoms. 

If you tend to feel “down” when the winter season rolls around each year, you could be one of those people. Maybe you’ve never received an official diagnosis, and you assume the gloomy weather just puts you in a bad mood. 

However, there’s more to seasonal depression than just feeling down. 

Let’s take a look at some of the common signs and symptoms, so you can determine what you’re actually dealing with. If you believe you do have seasonal depression, there are things you can do to combat the symptoms and find some peace and comfort throughout the winter. 

Common Signs of Seasonal Depression

Many people with seasonal depression start to feel symptoms in the fall. As temperatures turn colder, days get “shorter”, and it feels like there’s a permanent cloud overhead, your mood can shift. Some of the common signs of SAD include: 

• Fatigue

• Hopelessness

• Feeling sad or down most of the time

• Feeling listless

• Changes in sleeping or eating habits

People who deal with seasonal depression might also withdraw themselves from the people and activities they typically enjoy. Unfortunately, that’s one of the worst things you can do. Social isolation can make depression worse. It can cause you to feel even more helpless, and even trigger you to believe no one else understands what you’re going through. 

People experience SAD at different severity levels, but you’re likely to experience more than one of these symptoms if you’re struggling with the season. 

What Causes Seasonal Depression? 

There are several “triggers” that contribute to seasonal depression. A lot of it has to do with your sleep cycle and circadian rhythm. In many places across the country, the days feel shorter in winter because there’s less daylight. As a result, your body’s natural rhythm can be thrown off, and you might have trouble sleeping. A lack of sleep and an increased risk of depression go hand-in-hand. 

Less sunlight can also change the chemistry of your brain for a period of time, making it easier to feel sad, tired, and disinterested. When it’s dark out, your body naturally makes more melatonin, which can leave you feeling fatigued throughout the day. Again, it creates a sort of vicious cycle –the more tired you are, the less likely you are to want to do other things. 

What Can You Do?

If any of the signs of seasonal depression listed above sound familiar, you don’t have to put up with it year after year. There are plenty of ways to combat the effects of SAD. 

First, consider using a light box. It’s one of the most commonly used treatments for seasonal depression and can make a big difference in how you feel. Talk to your doctor or therapist about how to use a light box and whether they think it’s right for you. Many people with SAD only need to use them for a few minutes each day (usually in the morning) to see a positive change. 

You can also combat SAD by staying physically active, sticking to a daily routine, and eating a healthy diet. Simple healthy habits often go a long way in maintaining your mental well-being. 

Finally, if you’re really struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Seasonal depression comes and goes, but there could be something deeper lingering beneath the surface if your depression is negatively impacting your quality of life. 

If you want to know more about SAD or you’re ready to find relief from the symptoms, feel free to contact us to set up an appointment soon for depression treatment.