Most of us have felt the “winter blues” when the weather gets colder and the days get shorter. For some of us, it goes a step further with seasonal depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a subset of depression that worsens in certain seasons. SAD is estimated to affect 10 million Americans, and can be associated with seasons other than winter.
The “winter blues” version of seasonal depression is associated with the shortening of daylight hours and cold weather hindering our ability to do the activities that we love. The most identifiable difference between SAD and the winter blues is those who struggle with the winter blues are usually able to function normally, despite feeling down. SAD sufferers, on the other hand, experience a difficult time with day-to-day activities.
SAD can be caused by a change in the hormones serotonin and melatonin, which both affect mood and sleep patterns. A shift in your circadian rhythm due to changes in length of daylight can cause these hormonal changes and trigger SAD symptoms. Suffering from other forms of depression, having a family history of depression or SAD, or living further from the equator puts you at a higher risk for experiencing SAD.
Symptoms of SAD happen during certain months or seasons of the year and may include:
The symptoms of SAD can be slightly different depending on which season you are affected by. In general, fall and winter SAD can include the symptoms of oversleeping, overeating, weight gain, feeling tired and overall low energy. Spring and summer SAD can include the symptoms of insomnia, poor appetite, weight loss, agitation and/or anxiety.
If you’re experiencing the winter blues, you’ll likely find your symptoms are easily managed with a bit of conscious effort. Suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder is harder to manage on your own. It is often diagnosed when symptoms of the winter blues become so severe that they interfere with your daily life. Here are some ideas to help manage winter blues - these can still be applied to managing SAD symptoms, usually alongside additional treatment.
As you seek to combat seasonal depression, don’t give in to the temptation to turn to alcohol. Reaching for something that could numb your symptoms may seem helpful in the moment, but it can have detrimental outcomes in the long run.
Both the winter blues and SAD are easier to manage when you have someone to talk to and help you come up with more ways to manage your symptoms. A professional can also monitor your symptoms, identify any changes, and provide treatment plans accordingly.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the winter blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder, reach out to us by phone or text at (833) 624-5400, send us a message using our online contact form, or to register as a new patient get started here.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
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