When the Seasons Change, So Can Your Mood.

Understanding seasonal depression, recognizing the signs, and finding ways to support your mental health.

Seasonal depression, also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that usually happens during certain seasons, most often fall and winter when there’s less sunlight. This happens when less sunlight affects your body’s internal clock and brain chemicals that regulate mood, sleep, and energy.

Here are 5 common signs of seasonal depression:

• 1. When you start to feel sad, empty, hopeless, or anxious

  During the fall and winter, feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, and anxiousness tend to increase. This can be attributed to lack of vitamin D, isolation from friends and family, increased need for sleep, and decreased motivation to do daily activities.

• 2. When you start to sleep and feel tired more than usual

  Seasonal affective disorder and circadian rhythms (internal clock) are closely linked. There is an increase of melatonin (regulates sleep) and a decrease of serotonin (mood regulation). Increase of melatonin, especially during time change, can cause daytime sleepiness, while decrease of serotonin can cause depression.

• 3. When you start to lose motivation or interest in doing activities

  The activities that we once liked or enjoyed start to feel like a chore. We no longer feel motivated to do things, or we start to lose pleasure in engaging in hobbies.

• 4. When you start to isolate yourself from your loved ones or support system

  You may start avoiding friends, family, coworkers, or activities you normally enjoy because you simply do not have the energy for them.

• 5. When you start to notice appetite changes and increase weight

  Due to experiencing changes in chemicals, there could be emotional, physical, and behavioral shifts. These shifts can include increased appetite and weight due to feeling low, overwhelmed, and unmotivated. We can gravitate more towards carbs and do less physical movement.

Coping Strategies

1. Utilizing light therapy or maximizing natural lighting in your environments

2. Standing or walking outside and getting natural vitamin D (sunlight)

3. Exercising regularlyi

4. Staying connected with your loved ones

5. Intentionally making plans to be out 

6. Consulting a medical provider, especially if symptoms are persistent and severe

When Is It Time to Seek Help?

If changes in your mood, energy, or motivation persist, interfere with your daily life, or make it difficult to connect with others, it may be time to seek professional support.

You don't have to wait until things feel unmanageable to reach out. A mental health professional can help you understand what you're experiencing and explore treatment options that work for you.

You Don’t Have to Navigate it Alone

At Modern Jane Services, we understand that changes in your mental health can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to provide compassionate support through every season of life.