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Seasonal Depression, What is it and How Do You Treat it?




What is seasonal depression?


Seasonal depression disorder, or SAD, is a depression disorder caused by changing seasons, occurring during the winter and fall seasons. Around 10 million Americans are affected by this disorder, and the disorder is more commonly found in women. The causes of the disorder have been linked to a lack of sunlight, as well as a change in the weather. The disorder will may the affected person feel overly fatigued and possibly cause intense mood swings.


Researchers who have studied seasonal depression have found that states with less sunlight and harsher temperatures such as, Alaska, Vermont, and New Hampshire face more seasonal depression while states with more sunlight and warmer temperatures such as, Florida, Hawaii, and Arizona face the least seasonal depression.



Most common symptoms.


The most well-known symptoms of SAD are...


  • loss of interest in socializing

  • lack of motivation

  • drowsiness

  • low self-confidence

  • messy sleep schedule

  • feelings of guilt

  • memory errors

  • increased appetite for junk food

  • issues with focus

  • thoughts of self-harm

  • increased melatonin production



How to treat seasonal depression disorder?


The treatments for seasonal depression disorder are actually more simple than one would think, however despite this it can be hard for someone affected by the disorder to follow the steps to getting better. The most common forms of treatment for this disorder include exposing yourself to sunlight, exercising regularly, taking vitamin D supplements, setting a sleep schedule, making time to go outside daily, sitting in front of artificial light while indoors, and eating a healthy diet. It is important to remember that seasonal depression order only affects people during the fall and winter seasons, so those who have been diagnosed with it but seem better during the spring time or summer time may still have the disorder.



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