Have you ever noticed yourself feeling more tired and grumpy during the winter months? It could be more than just a case of missing the sunny days and carefree feel of summertime. For some people, seasonal depression is an annual reminder that colder, darker days have arrived, and it can negatively impact their mental well-being. If you or someone you love experiences this, you can learn how to deal with the symptoms so you can enjoy all the good the season brings.
If you’re struggling with seasonal depression, you can find support at Hill Country. Our mental health treatment programs can help you manage symptoms of seasonal depression as well as other forms of depression like major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Give us a call at 1.844.675.1628 and schedule an assessment so we can help you find the right fit for your mental health needs.
What Is Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depressive disorder that develops during certain times of the year. The majority of people who experience SAD do so during the winter, which is typically attributed to having fewer hours of daylight. Less exposure to sunlight can lead to changes in your circadian rhythms, disrupting your body’s internal clock and causing telltale depression symptoms like sadness, fatigue, and moodiness. Although less common, some people have symptoms of seasonal depression during the summer months.
Do You Have Seasonal Depression?
Since symptoms of SAD do not occur year-round, some people may not realize that what they are experiencing is a form of depression. They may simply think they just do not feel as energized or motivated when it is cold and gray outside. But it is more than just the winter blues. Seasonal affective disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition, and you deserve to get the treatment you need to feel better. The first step is recognizing whether you might have seasonal depression.
Here are some signs and symptoms to be aware of:
- Nagging feelings of sadness
- Changes in appetite
- Weight fluctuations
- Sleeping a lot longer than usual or having difficulty sleeping
- Feeling irritable or agitated most of the time
- Feeling tired often
- Having trouble concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
For diagnosis of seasonal depression, you would need to experience these symptoms for at least two weeks during a particular time of year.
How to Deal with Loneliness During the Winter
Loneliness and seasonal depression can go hand in hand. As the weather gets cooler and the sun goes down earlier in the day, you might not feel like being as active as you are during the long summer days. That could lead to feeling lonely or isolated. The winter holidays can also play a role in loneliness, especially if you are grieving a loss or do not have loved ones nearby to celebrate with. Learning how to deal with loneliness during the winter can go a long way toward minimizing the severity of seasonal depression. Here are some helpful tips:
Reach Out to Others
Other people in your life might be feeling the same way you are, so take the initiative to reach out, even if it is just a phone call or text to check-in. A small effort like this can open a conversation about seasonal depression and help you and your loved ones find support.
Stay Active
Although you may not feel like doing anything, make an effort to get out of the house, even if it is just a short walk outdoors. Sunlight is in short supply during the winter, so try to get outside during daylight hours whenever possible to maximize your exposure.
Prioritize Self-Care
Take some time to do nice things for yourself, whether that be getting a manicure, going for a haircut, or buying your favorite dessert.
Reach Out to Hill Country to Get Help for Depression
In addition to taking steps to manage loneliness during the winter, you should also consider whether you would benefit from mental health treatment for seasonal depression. To learn more about how Hill Country’s treatment programs can help you get through the darkest days of winter feeling more emotionally balanced, reach out to us at 1.844.675.1628 or click here to complete the online form.