What is Seasonal Depression?

By: Lissette Perez Staff Writer

As the season starts to change and daylight savings has ended, people’s moods start to get affected. Seasonal depression, otherwise known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or S.A.D., affects about three million people across the United States.

Seasonal depression starts and ends around the same time every year and tends to take effect in the fall and winter. The weather and lack of sun are the main cause of this type of depression. The days tend to be short in the fall and winter but adding the end-of-daylights saving to the mix makes them a little bit shorter. According to www.abcnews.go.com, during an interview with Doctor Dorothy Sit from Northern Western University, the signs of seasonal depression include but are not limited to loss of energy, weight gain/heightened appetite, low mood, increase in sleep, etc. These are the main symptoms people should watch out for when trying to figure out whether they have S.A.D. or not.

There are many ways to treat seasonal depression. Many people tend to move to an environment where the weather stays relevantly the same. Although it is not easy to just pack up and move, there are other ways to treat seasonal depression. According to www.mayoclinic.org, there are many ways to treat this kind of depression. You can start with therapy, take medications or even change your lifestyle. Therapy for S.A.D. often involves using a light box, dawn stimulators and aromatherapy. Making time for friends and family can also help you cope with seasonal depression.

If you think you may have seasonal depression, you need to speak to your primary physician or therapist. Just because it is only seasonal depression, it does not mean it is any less effective than “regular” depression. It is important to keep your loved ones close and speak to your therapist during the hard days. Sometimes all we need is comfort from friends or family.

If, for some reason, you find yourself alone, do not hesitate to text or call the number 988 for the Suicide & Life Crisis hotline and speak to someone because you are not alone.