How to Recognize the Signs of Seasonal Depression

As the autumn leaves fall and winter looms, many people find their mood plummeting. It can often feel difficult to know if it's just a case of the blues or something more that can last for several weeks or months. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of mood disorder (depression) that's related to changes in our seasons. It typically starts and ends around the same time each year, often beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months. While it can affect anyone, it's more common in people living farther from the equator.

Here are some common signs of SAD:

Emotional Symptoms

Low Mood or Sadness

You might find yourself feeling persistently down or hopeless. This overwhelming sense of sadness can be a telltale sign of seasonal depression, affecting your daily life and outlook. It's more than "feeling blue" — it's a pervasive emotional state.

Loss of Interest

You may find yourself losing enthusiasm for activities you once enjoyed. Hobbies, socializing, or work tasks that used to excite you now feel like chores. This disinterest can be a key indicator of seasonal depression.

Irritability

You might find yourself snapping at loved ones or feeling easily frustrated. Little things that usually wouldn't bother you suddenly become major annoyances. This heightened irritability can strain relationships and impact your daily life.

Difficulty Concentrating

You may find yourself struggling to focus on tasks or remember important details. Your mind might feel foggy, making staying productive at work or school hard. This mental sluggishness is a common sign of seasonal depression.

Thoughts of Death or Suicide

If you're experiencing persistent thoughts of death or suicide, it's crucial to seek immediate help. These thoughts are a serious sign of depression and should never be ignored. 

Physical Symptoms

Seasonal depression can manifest in your body, too. These physical signs often accompany the emotional symptoms, impacting your daily life and overall well-being.

Changes in Appetite

You might notice your eating habits shifting with the seasons. Are you craving more comfort foods or losing interest in meals entirely? These appetite changes could be signs of seasonal depression, which affects your mood and body.

Weight Gain or Loss

You might notice your jeans fitting differently as the seasons change. Seasonal depression can lead to significant shifts in appetite and eating habits, causing unexpected weight fluctuations. Pay attention to these changes in your body.

Sleep Disturbances

Do you feel like hibernating? You're not alone. Seasonal depression often messes with your sleep patterns. You might sleep way more than usual or toss and turn all night. These changes can leave you feeling groggy and out of sync.

Fatigue

Feeling drained and sluggish? Seasonal depression often brings overwhelming tiredness. You might struggle to get out of bed or nap more than usual. This fatigue can make daily tasks feel like mountains to climb.

Aches and Pains

You might notice unexplained physical discomfort during darker months. Seasonal depression can manifest as headaches, muscle tension, or joint pain. These bodily aches often accompany the emotional symptoms, making daily activities more challenging.

Behavioral Symptoms

You might notice changes in your daily habits. Sleeping more, struggling to get out of bed, or losing interest in activities you usually enjoy could be signs. 

Social Withdrawal

You might find yourself avoiding social gatherings or canceling plans more often. This isolation can point to seasonal depression. Remember, taking time for yourself is okay, but don't completely shut out your support system.

Increased Alcohol or Drug Use

You might find yourself reaching for the bottle or other substances more often during darker months. This coping mechanism can mask depression symptoms but ultimately worsens your mental health. Be mindful of your consumption habits.

Feeling a bit blue during winter is normal, but if these symptoms seriously impact your life or begin to interfere with your social, occupational or academic functioning, please don't hesitate to seek help. We are here and feel honoured to meet with you. Book a consultation for depression therapy with us today so we can tackle SAD together.