Navigating Seasonal Depression

As the days become shorter, and daylight hours lessen, many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. Known more commonly as seasonal depression or the winter blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that begins and ends around the same time each year. Many people experience the symptoms of seasonal depression at the onset of fall and continue experiencing them throughout the winter months.*

If you’re experiencing seasonal depression, you are not alone. We are here to help.

Signs of Seasonal Depression

If you or your loved one are experiencing these symptoms during this time of year, it may be indicative of seasonal depression:

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.
• Increased appetite.
• Increased sleep, drowsiness, and difficulty waking up in the morning.
• Decreased energy, feeling lethargic even after sleeping.
• Increased difficulty with concentration; decision fatigue.
• Presence of physical aches, cramps, or digestive problems.
• Lack of interest in social activities and relationships.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

If you notice these symptoms appearing, it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider so that they can assist you in treating your symptoms.

Tips for Navigating Seasonal Depression

In addition to talking with your doctor about medication and therapy-based treatments, there are some things you can do to help mitigate the impact of your symptoms:

• Take a walk or participate in some other form of physical activity each day. Keep your body in movement daily, even if only for a short period of time.
• Try to incorporate more nutritious elements into your diet.
• Call a friend or try getting together with a loved one. Engaging with others can help to combat feelings of loneliness.
• Break large tasks into smaller goals to make things more easily achievable. This can help with decreased stents of concentration.
• Talk with your doctor about adding Vitamin D into your diet.
• Try something to practice calming mental activity such as a puzzle, reading, journaling, or artwork. These enjoyable and peaceful activities can help to keep your brain stimulated, while also providing you with a sense of levity.

No matter how your symptoms of seasonal depression manifest, it’s important to know that you don’t have to go through it on your own. Take it one day at a time, and remember to extend kindness to yourself each day.

If you are struggling with thoughts of self-harm, suicide ideation, or suicide, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; you can also text 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

*Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651

Written by Jordie DiFernando