Common Symptoms of Seasonal Depression to Look Out For
Are you experiencing signs and symptoms of seasonal depression?
Seasonal depression, also referred to as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that impacts about 5% of the population. Unlike other depressive disorders, seasonal depression is cyclical, meaning it appears and disappears at distinct times of year. For most people, SAD coincides with fall and winter, when there is less sunshine and the days are colder.
Fortunately, there is treatment for seasonal affective disorder. But in order to know whether you might benefit, it helps first to understand the signs of seasonal depression and how it differs from other types of depression.
Seasonal Depression Symptoms
The more you understand about what to look out for when it comes to seasonal depression, the quicker you can get help if you start to experience it.
The most common symptoms of SAD include:
- Persistent sadness
- Anxiety
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Lethargy
- Sleep difficulties
- Desire for social isolation
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Abrupt changes in mood
- Loss of libido
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Changes in appetite
- Inability to focus
Keep in mind that while SAD is generally associated with colder months, some people do experience summer SAD. Symptoms tend to be similar in the summer, but may also include insomnia, weight loss, and restlessness.
Seasonal Affective Disorder vs. Major Depression
The symptoms of SAD and major depression are very similar. This can make it difficult to tell which one an individual might be dealing with, though there is one very clear distinction.
The biggest difference between SAD and major depression is when symptoms are experienced. Seasonal depression has a pattern of recurrence, with predictable timing that causes symptoms to appear at certain times of year. Major depressive disorder, on the other hand, results in year-round symptoms that do not ebb and flow with the seasons.
Beyond their symptoms, one other notable similarity between seasonal depression and major depression is who is most likely to be affected. With both disorders, women are more at risk than men (in fact, four out of five seasonal depression sufferers are women), and symptoms often first appear in young adulthood or earlier.
Of course, anyone can get seasonal depression, regardless of age or gender. If you are experiencing signs of SAD, it’s important to seek out professional mental health care and get the help that you need to feel better.
Seasonal Depression Treatment
There are several methods for treating SAD:
- Light therapy – Exposure to light up to 10x the intensity of standard indoor light for one to four hours per day, which may suppress the brain’s production of melatonin and reduce depressive symptoms
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – A type of talk therapy that helps identify the root cause(s) of depressive symptoms and address associated thoughts and behaviors
- Antidepressant medications – Often prescribed alongside light therapy and/or CBT
- Vitamin D supplementation – Intended to offset the lack of natural vitamin D absorbed during colder months
Because of its cyclical nature, SAD can often be treated in a preventative manner once it is identified and diagnosed. This means starting an appropriate treatment regime prior to the onset of symptoms as a way to get ahead of seasonal depression and greatly reduce its overall impact.
Speak with a Mental Health Professional
At South Beach Detox, we offer several treatment options for individuals who may be experiencing seasonal depression alongside substance use disorder. Our experienced team of professionals works one-on-one with individuals to support recovery from these and other dual diagnoses, with a luxury rehab center based in Florida that is dedicated to providing you with personalized care.
Whether you are just beginning your mental health journey or are looking for ongoing support, we encourage you to contact us today to speak with a professional and begin the road to recovery.
