• Mental Health

Seasonal Depression: Is it Real?

During the winter months in the U.S., the days get much shorter. Unlike in the summer, people typically spend less time outdoors in the sunlight and socializing with others. If you find yourself feeling more tired or sluggish in the winter and fall, you’re not alone. 

Seasonal depression is a colloquial term for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a depressive disorder that becomes the most prominent during the fall and winter. Many people anticipate a loss of energy and negative emotions during this time.

What Causes Seasonal Depression?

Health experts believe that less serotonin is released in the winter than in the summer because of the lack of daylight exposure. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation.

Overall, the winter months typically throw off circadian rhythms — the internal clock in the body. Those with SAD may have an increase in melatonin — a neurotransmitter that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle in the body.

While seasonal depression is most common in the fall and winter, some people do experience seasonal depression in the summer. Seasonal depression in the summer may be triggered by a change in sleep schedule and other major life changes.

What are the Symptoms of Seasonal Depression?

Symptoms of SAD vary in severity. People with SAD tend to have low levels of vitamin D which impacts how they feel throughout the day.  One of the most common symptoms is a feeling of tiredness.

Other symptoms you may experience include:

• Irritability

• Sadness

• Insomnia

• Anxiety 

• Restlessness

• Loneliness

• Weight gain

• Headaches

You may notice someone with SAD sleeping more during the day. While some may stay up and have trouble sleeping, others may sleep too much. Oversleeping is more common with winter seasonal depression than summer seasonal depression.

This is because their circadian rhythm has not yet caught up with the time change. Low energy levels from SAD are similar to other types of depressive disorders as well.

Who is Most Likely to Have Seasonal Depression?

A lot of young adults experience SAD, but the risk increases with age. Women tend to have SAD more often than men. People with preexisting mental health conditions like bipolar disorder are more at risk for seasonal depression.

How to Treat Seasonal Depression

A healthcare provider may suggest medications to treat severe symptoms of seasonal depression. The following medications may be used to treat seasonal depression:

• Wellbutrin (bupropion)

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

• Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)

Antidepressants like SSRIs, SNRIs, and NDRIs are commonly prescribed to treat depression year-round. Tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may also be prescribed to treat depression.

It takes around four to eight weeks before you experience the effects of the medication. However, some medications may trigger more side effects in certain people than others. Be sure to speak with a healthcare provider about options for medication.

While vitamin D supplements may help with SAD, more research is needed to know how effective they are at treating SAD and other depressive disorders.

Light therapy to treat seasonal depression

Some healthcare providers may use artificial light to treat seasonal depression. During light therapy, a healthcare provider uses artificial light boxes to make the body feel as if it’s getting the same amount of sunlight. This treatment is used for people who cannot or choose not to take antidepressants or other oral medications.

Psychotherapy to treat seasonal depression

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that involves sitting down with a healthcare provider. This may be used in combination with medication and other treatments for a comprehensive treatment plan during the fall and winter months.

Tips for Managing Seasonal Depression

When possible, it may help to spend some time outside on sunny days even if it’s cold. Be careful not to cope with harmful substances. Alcohol and other drugs may make depression feel worse. If you are on a sobriety journey from substances, reach out to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing depressive thoughts and emotions. 

Seasonal affective disorder may cause some people to make more impulsive decisions than usual. Take as much time as you need to process your emotions. It’s also important to get as much adequate sleep as possible.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Seasonal depression tends to happen for a limited time, but some people may notice symptoms becoming more severe as the winter drags on. If you find yourself having thoughts of self-harm, be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider. 

If you find yourself struggling to process your emotions, LifeMD can help. Licensed healthcare providers at LifeMD may offer tips and suggestions for caring for your mental health.

Schedule an appointment today to learn more about managing depression and other feelings of sadness.

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