Seasonal Depression

It’s normal to feel a little depressed when autumn begins, and it’s called seasonal depression, which is a common condition that most people experience.

Seasonal depression

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that’s triggered when seasons change, usually in the beginning of autumn, and it might persist throughout winter. Many people might experience a mild seasonal depression condition, but sometimes it might progress and cause symptoms that interfere with daily life.

Causes and risk factors leading to seasonal depression

The exact reason for seasonal depression is unknown, but some factors might contribute to it, such as:

• Changes in the biological clock (circadian rhythm), which regulates the hormones, mood, and sleep, make it disrupted when the daylight changes when seasons shift.
• Reduced amount of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has a role in the feeling of happiness, due to the decrease in sunlight.
• Overproduction of melatonin, which has an essential role in sleep and mood changes.
• The risk of seasonal depression might increase due to the following factors:
• Having another mental health condition, such as depression or bipolar disease.
• Family history.
• Decreased level of vitamin D.
• Live in areas where there isn’t a lot of sunlight or in cloudy regions.

Symptoms of seasonal depression

Fall depression usually causes:

• Feeling depressed and sad.
• Decreased energy and losing interest in doing activity.
• Sleeping problems and feeling lazy.
• Being mostly pessimistic and finding anything not worth doing.
• Anxiety and irritation.
• Increased cravings for carbohydrates.
• Overeating and weight gain.
• Focusing problems.
• Some people might isolate themselves, skip school or work, resort to alcohol or drugs, and have suicidal thoughts.
• Summer depression might cause insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, and agitation.

Diagnosis of seasonal depression

• Asking about the symptoms.
• Psychological evaluation.

Treatment of seasonal depression

• Light therapy.
• Psychotherapy.
• Medications.
• Vitamin D supplements.
• You can alleviate the symptoms by going outside and not isolating yourself, spending time with loved ones, exercising regularly, and organizing sleep.