Bringing Awareness to Seasonal Depression

December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month, and it couldn’t be more timely. Between the shortened daylight and the holidays, this time of year can trigger increased depression. So let’s talk about it.

This season is especially tough for so many of us. Even if we love the celebrations, the holidays are still stressful. We’re dealing with so much pressure, increased social responsibilities, and tighter budgets due to holiday gifts and parties. And on top of that, many of us are missing loved ones who are no longer with us.

So it’s no surprise that seasonal depression is so common. Studies suggest that about 10 million Americans experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (more commonly known as SAD) each year. We don’t have a definitive answer about what causes SAD. Researchers and doctors generally attribute the condition to a few factors. First, the fall and winter months have less sunlight than the rest of the year. When you get less sunlight, it affects your brain. Second, your body produces more melatonin (a hormone that helps you sleep) when it is dark. More melatonin means you’re likely feeling sleepier in the winter, which can negatively affect your mood. And of course, as mentioned above, other factors like the holidays can play a role, as well.

How Do You Know If You Have Seasonal Depression?

The first thing you should know about seasonal depression is that it is a real, diagnosable form of clinical depression. So how do you know if you have SAD? There are a few factors that your doctor will consider:

Seasonal Onset

If your symptoms appear at the onset of a specific season, that is a telltale sign of seasonal depression. Although most seasonal depression occurs during fall and winter, some people do experience the onset of seasonal depression in spring or summer. 

Drowsiness

This is especially true if you have winter seasonal depression (the most common type). Depression of any kind can cause a lack of energy and even sleepiness during the day. And because more hours of darkness means more melatonin being produced by your body, SAD is even more likely to cause drowsiness. However, the few people who have summer SAD may experience the complete opposite effect, having trouble sleeping and feeling extra energetic on long summer days or even in the winter months. 

Lack of Interest

Depression commonly comes with a loss of interest. For someone with depression, even the things they love most may be put aside. If you find yourself suddenly uninterested in your hobbies during the winter months, it may be a sign of SAD.

Trouble Concentrating

If you’re having trouble focusing, there are a few potential reasons, including diagnoses like ADD and ADHD. But if you are experiencing this symptom in relation to the change of seasons, it may be a sign of SAD.

Increased Anxiety

A heightened sense of anxiety as the days get shorter could mean that you are experiencing seasonal depression.

Lowered Sex Drive

Yes, seriously. Your libido can suffer from mood disorders like depression. So if you notice a change in your desire for sex during the winter months, it may be time to talk to your doctor about Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Withdrawal

Depression often leads to withdrawal from social activities. If you find yourself declining to spend time with friends and family because you ‘just don’t feel like it’ during the winter season, it could be a symptom of seasonal depression.

What Should You Do if You Think You Have Seasonal Depression?

The most important thing that you can do for yourself if you suspect that you have seasonal depression is to talk to your doctor. A medical professional will be able to officially diagnose you, as well as support you in creating a treatment plan. Ideally, you will likely work with your primary care doctor or  psychiatrist AND a psychologist. 

Once you have a diagnosis and a treatment plan, you may benefit from speaking with trusted friends and family about SAD. Explain it to your loved ones. Tell them about the symptoms, so that they will recognize when you may be struggling more than usual. Let them know how they can support you.

Many people don’t even know that this is a real diagnosis. That’s why I believe it is so important that we amplify these awareness days, weeks, and months throughout the year. It’s why Griefhab has  created the 13 Month Awareness Calendar. I took the time to find every important awareness day, awareness week, and awareness month throughout the year that the world needs to be acknowledging and added them all to this calendar. So that we can shine a light on the things that matter. There’s still time to purchase your copy before the end of the year!

Speaking of awareness weeks…

The first ever Healing Together Through the Holidays event was incredible. The whole week was filled with powerful speakers, learning, and healing. And the best part is that you can still get access to the library of recordings! The event was so meaningful (and the feedback so powerful) that I’m continuing to add NEW resources through the rest of the holiday season. The library will be open until March of 2024. So register for free here to get access!

I look forward to supporting you all as you heal throughout this holiday season.

And remember, you can reach out anytime: sam@samantharuth.com