Overcoming Seasonal Affective Disorder to Enjoy the Changing Seasons

If you notice that your mood tends to change with the season you may be experiencing symptoms of a very specific type of major depressive disorder. This type of depression is more commonly known as “seasonal affective disorder” or SAD for short. If this seems to resonate with you, you may notice the relationship between how you feel and the seasons, but not know why it happens.

Mood Changes in Autumn and Winter

SAD is actually a type of depression. It coincides with the seasonal changes, hence the name. It is also sometimes referred to as “cabin fever”, being the kind of depression that is associated with the sunless and desolate days of autumn and winter. As the season starts to change from summer to fall the days begin to get shorter, the lack of sunlight can have a direct impact on your mood. Not only can your mood be affected by these changes, other symptoms of depression can emerge such as irritability, fatigue, lack of interest and more.

Spring-Summer Changes

Is there such a thing as SAD that occurs in spring or summer? Yes, there is and it occurs more often during summer than spring. About 10 percent of those with SAD experience symptoms during this timeframe. According to Dr. Ian Cook of UCLA (Depression Research Program), it can either have a biological cause or it is triggered by summer stresses. He also said that this type is more prevalent in countries near the equator where there is no winter.

The Science Behind Seasonal Pattern Depression

There is clearly a connection between the changing seasonal patterns and mood. Research suggests that the lack of sunlight during some seasons can trigger mood changes. As we know, there is a connection between vitamin D levels and depression. Sunlight is needed for the body to create vitamin D so this is thought to be correlated. Lack of sunlight can cause the hypothalamus, a part of the brain, not to function well. Specifically, inadequate sunlight can cause the brain to produce more melatonin, less serotonin, and disrupt the circadian rhythm or biological clock. All this can result in depressive symptoms.

For summer patterned depression, it is suspected that symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, and other symptoms of anxiety are triggered by the sweltering heat and the high humidity. Some other complications can be body-image and weight concerns that warmer months can bring and, of course, the unbearable heat in some regions.

Find Help to Enjoy the Seasons

Seasonal Pattern Depression is for real. It is not a figment of your imagination. Regardless of when you experience these symptoms, it is important not to ignore them. Whether it hits you in the summer or winter, what you are experiencing is real and you deserve to feel better.

Depression is treatable. Therapy can help. Call Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC to schedule your first appointment. Together, you and your therapist can address your symptoms and get you back to enjoying the changing seasons. Call now!