Seasonal Depression

Seasonal Depression

Seasonal depression is known by some as the winter blues or winter depression but is often seen as a joke or a myth. To others it may be a completely unexplored topic.

Although seasonal depression is very real. In the clinical setting, seasonal depression is identified as seasonal affective disorder, or can be abbreviated as SAD, Seasonal depression is considered a subtype of depression.

Seasonal depression is associated with changes in the seasons, most often beginning in fall or winter. Shorter days and reduced sunlight can lead to a disruption in hormones like serotonin and melatonin, which can affect mood, energy, and sleep.

These effects in mood, energy, and sleep can lead to symptoms such as low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep and appetite changes, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are often seen less or go back to normal during spring to summer times when the sun is out its normal amount of time.

When faced with seasonal depression, the main treatment is light therapy to mimic sunlight and reduce disruption in hormones, although treatment can also consist of lifestyle changes such as getting more exercise, switching up sleep routines, or having a healthier diet, and in more severe cases, antidepressants. All of these are treatments that can help reduce or prevent future symptoms caused by seasonal depression.

Overall, seasonal depression is very real and deserves more awareness, as it affects many of us yearly, some without even realizing.