Something I am no stranger to seeing clients struggle with as we move into the colder months is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, which has the appropriate acronym of SAD.
SAD is a mood disorder with symptoms related to depression. These symptoms are linked to the seasons, and can occur during the late autumn and winter months when there is the least amount of daily sunlight. Not everyone who gets depressed moods as the colder months progress has Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some of us, like myself, are a bit blue because we really miss being warm. However, other people who find themselves starting to feel down around this time of year do have SAD.
Luckily, there is research on how to improve the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some of this research has shown that light therapy is effective, and we also know that reduced light can disrupt our internal clocks and affect mood-regulating neurotransmitters in our brains, like serotonin and melatonin. This suggests that SAD is linked to the reduction of natural light during the year's colder months. Maybe we aren't so very different from plants in that way. We just shed our tears instead of shedding leaves.
For the most part, symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder are not very different from other mood disorders. If you have Seasonal Affective Disorder, you may find yourself experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, low energy or fatigue, increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, weight fluctuation, and apathy or loss of interest in things you usually enjoy. If you find yourself struggling during the colder months or think you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder, please reach out to a mental health professional.
Seasonal Affect Disorder can make things harder, but reaching out to a mental health professional, seeking out a strong support system, and giving yourself time as the sunlight returns more fully can help.
Remember it is important to take new symptoms of depression and suicidality seriously. Please reach out to a mental health professional or other care provider if you are experiencing increases or changes related to symptoms of depression or suicidal ideation.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please visit your nearest emergency center, call 911, the Crisis Lifeline at 988, the Blackline at 800-604-5841, or the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860.