When the Seasons Change, Will You Stand By Me?
Have you ever felt that when the weather begins to change and the air becomes cool, your emotions change as well? This is not an uncommon feeling. With the colder months on the horizon, it can stir up feelings of gloominess and fatigue. I am sure that you’ve heard the term “Seasonal Depression” before, but if not, I am here to give you the signs you need to know if you may be experiencing this.
These feelings do not just apply to the Fall and Winter months, it is possible to experience these symptoms during the Spring and Summer months as well.
The technical term for this diagnosis is, “Seasonal Affective Disorder” according to the Mayo Clinic.
The below signs are not meant to justify a self-diagnosis. If you are experiencing or have experienced any of these symptoms in the past, I highly suggest speaking with a medical professional. Here are a few signs of Seasonal Depression.
Low Energy and Fatigue
Have you ever felt so drained but cannot explain why? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can cause low energy and fatigue. Someone with SAD may feel that they are unmotivated or too tired to complete their daily tasks. This can also lead to disrupted sleeping patterns such as sleeping too much or not enough.
If one is experiencing low energy and fatigue, there are multiple ways to manage it. To start, one can begin by turning off their cell phone, or any distractions before bed, to ensure a more restful sleep. Also, drinking more water and indulging in a balanced diet can assist in the coping process.
Changes in Appetite and Weight
Changes in the weather can also affect people’s weight and appetite. The Mayo Clinic states that “Some of the SAD symptoms that are more common in the Fall and Winter type of the condition are oversleeping, craving sweet and starchy foods, weight gain and fatigue. Spring and Summer SAD tends to cause more insomnia, loss of appetite and weight loss, and anxiety, agitation or irritability.”
Though changes in weight may be a difficult symptom for many to deal with, there are several ways that one can cope. For example, one can begin to ask oneself questions about their values and motivators. This ensures that they are focused on healing in a healthy way.
Feelings of Self-doubt or Unworthiness
If one is experiencing SAD, one might find themselves flooded with feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt. These feelings can affect their performance in school and in their personal relationships. Feelings of unworthiness might cause someone to “fail to take actions you might otherwise engage in, neglect relationships because of fear, shame or guilt, and internalize all this negativity to the point where your body suffers real medical as well psychological consequences” states PsychCentral, a mental health blog.
There are many ways one can subsist feelings of self-doubt or unworthiness. Someone experiencing this symptom can begin by recognizing they are feeling this way and then forgiving themselves for it. Forgiveness is a great coping mechanism. Also, writing one’s feelings down in a journal can be highly effective in relieving these negative thoughts.
Depressive Thoughts Throughout the Day
A major sign that one may have Seasonal Affective Disorder is feeling depressed most of the day. This has a lot to do with the weather. “In people who have Seasonal Affective Disorder, the brain has difficulty regulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is believed to be responsible for balancing mood. These difficulties are exacerbated when the body has less exposure to sunlight, as occurs during the shorter days of Winter,” according to the National Environmental Education Foundation.
If someone is experiencing depressive thoughts throughout the day, an effective way to deal with these feelings is to seek out help. Whether it be a friend, family member, or medical professional, it is important that they have a safe place where they are able to openly speak about their thoughts.
Loss of Interest
Those who experience Seasonal Depression are likely to lose interest in things that once excited them. For example, they may pass up a hang out with their friends or playing soccer after school. These behaviors are unfortunately symptoms of SAD. Even if a person with SAD is still interested in partaking in these activities, they may not act upon them due to a lack of motivation.
A way that one can manage a loss of interest in activities they once loved is to start small. Those who are feeling this symptom can set time aside each day to focus on something that they enjoy. For example, taking an hour out of their day to go for a walk or play the piano can aid in the healing process.
I hope that these signs help you recognize that you or someone you know may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder. If that is the case, I recommend speaking with a Health Professional before self-diagnosing. If you are concerned about another’s safety due to depression or suicidal thoughts, please call a guardian, 911, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255).