What You Should Know About Seasonal Depression

Are you feeling down during fall and winter? Learn about seasonal Depression – symptoms, causes, and coping methods – to improve your mental health.

Note: I am not a mental health professional. The information presented in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or to replace a medical diagnosis from a mental health professional or your primary care physician. The following information is for educational purposes only.

Have you ever noticed that you have more mood swings when the weather changes? For example, are you feeling slightly depressed because of the cold weather? Then, you may suffer from seasonal Depression, a seasonal affective disorder. 

It’s more difficult to manage symptoms of Depression and declining health during the colder months. The days become shorter as the weather gets colder, and we get sick easier. Therefore, it’s essential for people struggling with mental health illnesses to learn when their symptoms worsen during the winter months and address them, especially for people with Depression. 

Seasonal Depression can affect anyone, even people who don’t typically suffer from Depression year-round. But, unfortunately, now that we’ve made it to October and it’s getting chilly, it’s easier to fall into a state of hopelessness and dread. So, in today’s post, I will discuss seasonal Depression and its symptoms and share a few ways you can better manage the disorder with a few self-care practices. 

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal Depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a specific type of Depression that occurs around the same time every year. It typically occurs during the fall and winter seasons and ends once the weather gets warmer. Someone with SAD may experience some of the same feelings and emotions as someone with Major Depressive Disorder. 

This type of Depression is sometimes known as the “winter blues” because of the apparent mood swings that happen commonly during those colder months. However, people can still experience seasonal Depression during the spring and summer, although not as frequently. There are things you can do to make managing the winter blues a lot easier. However, it’s still important to learn about the symptoms.

Symptoms Of Seasonal Depression? 

The symptoms of Depression and seasonal affective disorder vary from person to person. Although some people experience this once, others may have multiple daily, weekly, and yearly episodes. 

While Depression may look different for everyone, it’s essential to recognize the symptoms of Depression and learn what to do if you see someone struggling. Some of the symptoms of Depression may include: 

• Trouble Concentration, Memory Less, Easily Distracted
• Extreme Tiredness or Fatigue
• Intense Feelings of Hopelessness, Dread, or Sadness
• Lost Of Interest In Pleasurable Things
• Suicidal Thoughts/Attempts
• Overeating/Loss Of Appetite 

Symptoms of seasonal Depression are associated with how the person may physically and emotionally feel as the weather changes from hot to cold. The symptoms of seasonal Depression are very similar to traditional Depression. However, there are a few notable differences to keep in mind. 

The symptoms of seasonal Depression depend on the weather, time of year, and person. These symptoms typically only last a few months and disappear once that season ends. Some of the symptoms of seasonal Depression may include:

• Increase In Fatigue and Drowsiness
• Weight Gain
• Decreased Sex Drive
• Increased Appetite or Cravings For Sweets
• Memory Loss
• Anxiety
• Irritability 

If you feel you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should get screened for Depression. A screening can help determine the severity of these symptoms and take the necessary steps to combat them.

What To Do When You’re Feeling Down This Season

As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, self-care and love become even more critical. The fall and winter can significantly challenge our physical, emotional, and mental health. Unfortunately, that also brings an increase in the rates of Depression. According to Psychology Today, approximately 10 million Americans are affected by seasonal affective disorder each year, and another 10% are only affected mildly. 

No matter your mental health status, looking after it year-round is essential, especially during the colder months. A little mental health self-care can improve your mood in any season, including this one. Below are a few ways to use self-care to lift your spirits throughout the winter. 

Self-Care Ideas For Lifting Your Spirits

1. Go outside for at least 30 minutes 
2. Drink lots of water
3. Get plenty of sleep
4. Make plans with loved ones
5. Read by the window 
6. Eat more fruits and veggies
7. Avoid alcohol, drugs, and hard substances
8. Stay cozy 

Why Is It Important To Take Care Of Your Mental Health In The Fall & Winter?

The fall and winter seasons may be too difficult for some people struggling with mental health. The lack of sunlight, the cold and harsh weather, and hormonal changes may cause some people to feel more upset, sad, and disorientated during the season. During these winter months, you should be practicing mental health self-care the most. 

Learning to care for yourself during the fall and winter seasons will help you better understand your seasonal wants and needs. This means exercising outdoors and soaking up that natural Vitamin D, but the weather becomes sour for some people. For others, this may mean sleeping in and getting extra beauty rest. 

Practicing self-care helps maintain your mood and keep your hopes up when everything is cold and bleak.