“It’s that time of year again!” For some, that statement brings on feelings of joy and nostalgia for the holiday season. For others, it can be the complete opposite. You may be someone who is thinking “it’s that time of year again” but mean it in the context of feeling low, isolated, sad, etc. Just know you are not alone in this journey and there are ways to get through this. Just keep reading.

What is seasonal depression? 

Seasonal depression, also known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder), is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, most commonly during the Fall and Winter. Seasonal depression is common in places where it tends to be colder longer. Seasonal depression is also common for young people and women. 

What causes seasonal depression?

Depression disorder can have many causes such as chemical imbalances in the brain to triggering events. Seasonal depression, however, tends to be caused by a change in the season. Due to a decrease in sunlight exposure and frequency, hormones within the body can decrease in production leading to an increase in depressive symptoms. 

How do I know if I have seasonal depression? 

Seasonal depression tends to begin and end around the same time every year. There are some signs you can look out for that could be indicators of seasonal depressive disorder. Common symptoms include: 

• Oversleeping

• Changes in appetite

• Fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feeling hopeless

• Having thoughts of hurting yourself

• Feeling down or sad most days

If you are experiencing thoughts of hurting yourself, please refer to our resources that can be used for immediate assistance. 

Tips on how to cope with seasonal depression

Remember that this is temporary. While it can be intense in the moment, the feelings will pass. The best practice for treating seasonal affective disorder is to begin with getting an official diagnosis from an expert. Following a diagnosis, common treatment includes psychotherapy, light therapy, and medications. You can also work to implement preventive methods prior to “that time of year” to help ease some of the symptoms. 

Therapy for seasonal depression

At CoreWellness, we offer therapy sessions to help you address this difficult time of year. Our therapists have years of experience working with depression. We offer free consultations to help you make the best decision for who will be a good fit for you. We accept both insurance and private pay clients. We can be contacted via phone Monday-Friday at 214-307-2649, email at admin@corewellnessteam.com, or by filling out the form below. 

Reference: 

​​Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic. (2021, December 14). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651