Most of us are on the countdown to Spring. Right now, the majority of the country is experiencing colder-than-normal temperatures. Not to mention, we are spending our days with less sunlight. It gets dark out around dinner time for most people. For many people, dealing with these seasonal changes is par for the course. However, not everyone handles the changing of the seasons so well. Known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this is more than just the "winter blues."

If you notice that your mental health seems to decline the most during winter, it could indicate that you are suffering from seasonal depression. SAD is a condition that can affect anyone, and it doesn't even have to occur during the winter months, although it is the most common season for it to manifest. Let's talk about some of the signs and symptoms of SAD to help guide you.

4 Signs & Symptoms of Seasonal Depression

Loss Of Interest In Activities

Even though winter is the perfect time for indoor activities and hobbies, that doesn't mean we naturally will gravitate towards them. When someone is dealing with SAD, it is common just not to have an interest in any hobbies at all.

Change In Sleep Patterns

Our bodies operate on a circadian rhythm. It naturally wants to rise when the sun does and settle down/sleep at night when it's dark. During the winter months, this is still true. However, since it's winter, we experience fewer daylight hours as it is. The result? Our bodies naturally want to sleep more.

Some people's bodies will adjust well to this change. However, not everyone is that lucky. For whatever reason, some people aren't able to adjust so seamlessly to the changing of a season. As a result, this can make someone want to sleep more than they normally would.

Low Energy

It seems counterintuitive you'd have low energy after so much sleep. After all, if you are sleeping more, that means you have more energy, right? Unfortunately, that isn't always true. Just because you get more sleep does not mean the sleep you are getting is quality. Remember, quantity does not always equal quality. Even if the body is sleeping for longer, people with SAD are not staying in the sleep state known as REM for longer. REM is what we refer to as deep sleep and is the state that lets us get the most amount of quality rest. Without restful, quality sleep, no amount of sleep can correct that.

Eating Habits Change

When we get bored, many of us will naturally crave salty or carb-y foods. While moderation is key, these foods give us a temporary feel-good feeling. So if you notice that during the winter months, you naturally feel more "snack-ish," know that this is actually normal. It's our bodies' way of telling us, "We don't feel right," so it will crave foods that make us feel good.

Other Signs Of SAD

Those are just four of the main signs of SAD; there are definitely more signs to pay attention to. Some of these could include:

• Feeling more anxious than normal

• Overwhelming feelings of sadness

• Feeling hopeless

How To Deal With SAD

Winter can be a drag; there is no doubt about that. However, even if you have been dealing with this for a while, you deserve to find relief from this challenging disorder. Winter doesn't have to be something you dread every single year. While you might not enjoy it, you can find ways to ensure that your mental health is protected during these months.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us for help with depression therapy, which can help you find ways to calm your mind during the winter.