Have you noticed that you feel sadder during the winter months but can’t figure out where it’s coming from? It’s not a coincidence – here’s why.
Sunlight is responsible for a lot of processes that make you feel happy and emotionally regulated. It affects your mood controlling brain chemistry, raises your serotonin levels, provides Vitamin D, and regulates your melatonin levels.
It’s hard for your body to get enough sunlight in the winter months because there’s so much less of it. Cold weather keeping you inside doesn’t help either.
The lack of sunlight affects your body in a range of ways, primarily by worsening depression. Without enough vitamin D from sunlight, your nervous system will change, and your serotonin will drop.
Who gets seasonal depression?
Anyone can get seasonal depression, but some people are more likely to be affected by it than others. Seasonal depression is more common due to:
Age. Seasonal depression mostly affects young adults. You’re less likely to develop it as you age, and it’s rare for those under 20.
Gender. Women are more likely to develop seasonal depression than men. While researchers are still working to understand why, they think it may have to do with how it affects fluctuating estrogen levels.
Location. Seasonal depression affects those who live further from the equator due to the shorter days.
Family history. Some people are more prone to seasonal depression because of their genetics. If depression runs in your family, you may be more likely to develop seasonal depression.
Other disorders. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more can make someone more likely to develop seasonal depression.
How can you tell if you have seasonal depression?
The biggest thing to look out for is how your mood changes once fall and winter hit. If you notice you’re feeling sadder or stressed out, you might have seasonal depression.
Look out for:
Increased irritability
Despair, guilt, worthlessness
Sleepiness and fatigue throughout the day
Oversleeping and struggling to get up
Difficulty concentrating
Decreased sex drive
If you normally have depression, seasonal depression will likely make it feel worse. Pay attention to your feelings as the seasons change to determine how it affects you – this will guide how you seek help.
How do you treat seasonal depression?
There’s a lot of options for helping seasonal depression.
Some doctors will prescribe medication to help you cope through the winter months. We understand that you may want other options as antidepressants can come with a slew of uncomfortable side effects.
Here are our tips to help relieve seasonal depression:
Go outside as much as you can. We understand that this is harder during the winter, especially when it’s cold. When you can, taking a walk during your lunch break will help boost your happiness levels.
Exercise. Working out releases endorphins that boost your mood and help regulate your emotions. Adding consistent exercise to your routine will help beat seasonal depression.
Vitamin D. Whether you’re eating more fish or taking a supplement, you need to make sure to replace the vitamin D you’re missing from sunshine. This will do wonders to help your mood.
Herbal medicine. Herbs are a natural alternative to antidepressants that can help boost your happy chemicals without the side effects. If you’re interested in trying herbal medicine, come in for an appointment and we can make a plan that works for you.
Acupuncture. This treatment is designed to regulate your nervous system and help you find peace of mind. Acupuncture is a great option for seasonal depression so you can feel good again – make an appointment to ease your seasonal depression.
You’re not alone, millions of people experience seasonal depression. It might feel isolating, but you have tools to get you through the winter. Rely on us to feel better, come try our treatments designed to help you out of depression.
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