It may be normal to feel a little down during the colder months, but it can be serious for some. Seasonal depression can affect your daily life, including how you feel, think, and act. Thankfully, there are treatments available. But first, it’s important to understand the signs of seasonal depression and how to seek help if needed.
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What is Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), occurs with the change of seasons. This condition usually begins when fall starts and then worsens during winter. Experts don’t exactly know what causes seasonal depression, but it is believed that it is due to the lack of sunlight exposure and less physical activity during the cold weather.
What are the Signs of Seasonal Depression?
1. Excessive Sleep
It’s normal for everyone to naturally sleep more in the winter months, however, oversleeping can be a sign of seasonal depression, especially if excess amounts of sleep are still leading to fatigue. Despite the increased amounts of sleep, people with SAD often feel less energized because sleeping longer does not necessarily mean sleeping better. They may have insomnia and other sleep problems that cause chemical imbalances such as melatonin, serotonin, and dopamine.
2. Sudden Appetite Changes
SAD often causes sudden appetite changes that can result in either weight loss or gain though weight gain is more common. Once winter comes around, those with depression often crave carbohydrates and sugar more than usual because there is an imbalance of serotonin. Individuals with SAD are drawn to overeating and finding comfort food to help cope with their sadness.
3. Withdrawal from Social Activities
During the winter, people with SAD tend to withdraw from social activities and show less interest in things they once found enjoyable. Some people even isolate themselves from friends and family.
4. Trouble Focusing or Making Decisions
Seasonal depression can impair cognitive function, this includes having trouble remembering names, appointments, and becoming easily distracted.
5. Frequent Thoughts of Death or Suicide
In serious cases, people with SAD can experience thoughts of suicide, and this is a serious matter. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Treatment Options for Signs of Seasonal Depression
You may be diagnosed with SAD if you have depression episodes occurring during specific seasons for at least two consecutive years. If you are diagnosed, here are a few treatment options:
- Individual or Group Therapy: Therapy is one of the most effective ways to gain control of your daily life and can be beneficial to treating seasonal depression. It produces long-lasting effects.
- Medication Management: This is a process of overseeing and prescribing medication to manage depression, usually with therapy.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): When other forms of treatment don’t work, TMS might be the best option for you. It is a completely non-invasive treatment that produces magnetic pulses to stimulate and target areas of the brain.
Modern Psych: Quality Care for Mental Health
If you are suffering from seasonal depression, or any form of depression you can reach out to Modern Psychiatry and Wellness. We provide personalized support and treatment for all individuals. Learn more about our services here.
