Winter is in full swing, and for up to 5% of the adult population, that means seasonal depression symptoms are likely to have shown up as well.
Seasonal depression occurs when you experience some of the common symptoms of depressive disorder during a particular time of year — usually winter. The lack of sunlight, more time indoors, and cold weather all contribute to seasonal depression.
But how can you tell if you’re dealing with something seasonal or not? Have your feelings of sadness and lack of motivation been lingering throughout the summer and fall, too?
Let’s take a look at some of the differences between chronic and seasonal depression.
Timing
The biggest difference between chronic depression and seasonal depression is timing. For your symptoms to be diagnosed as chronic depression, you need to experience them for an extended length of time. Typically, medical or mental health professionals look for symptoms that have been persistent for at least two years before they will officially diagnose someone with chronic depression.
The common symptoms of chronic depression include:
- A low mood.
- Fatigue.
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
- Loss of interest.
- Even physical issues like aches and pains.
While these symptoms might range in severity, they need to be persistent for you to be diagnosed with chronic depression.
The symptoms of seasonal depression are often very similar, but they aren’t as long-lasting. Seasonal depression symptoms typically flare up in the fall and winter and tend to get better in the spring and summer. The timing required for an official diagnosis, however, is similar. Your doctor is more likely to diagnose you with seasonal depression if you’ve experienced symptoms for at least two years when fall and winter come around.
Causes
When you’re dealing with chronic depression, getting to the bottom of what’s causing it is often the first step toward healing. So many things can contribute to chronic depression, from stressful life events to a family history of mental health issues.
Seasonal depression, on the other hand, is believed to be triggered by less light exposure. Exposure to sunlight is essential for mood and sleep regulation. In the cold winter months, when the days are shorter and it’s often cloudy, your brain produces less serotonin, which can leave you feeling unhappy and irritable.
The winter months can also impact your sleep schedule, putting a damper on your mood and triggering a vicious cycle that often happens with depression. The less healthy sleep you get, the worse your depression becomes. The worse your depression becomes, the harder it is to get a good night’s rest.
What Can You Do?
The good news about any type of depression is that it’s often a very manageable condition. That doesn’t mean it’s easy when you’re going through it, but recognize that you’re not alone whether you have chronic depression or something seasonal.
If you believe you’re dealing with seasonal depression, consider reaching out for help. Being able to talk to someone about your symptoms can help you get ahead of them. A combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes throughout the winter can make your symptoms more manageable and help you find peace even when it’s dark and cold outside.
If you’re struggling with chronic depression, the same advice applies — don’t hesitate to get the help you deserve as soon as possible. Therapy is often the best way to manage chronic depression. You’ll learn where it stems from and work on effective strategies to manage your symptoms while letting go of extreme sadness.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, but it doesn’t have to control your life, even if it’s only a few months out of the year. Contact me our office to set up an appointment today. At Onyx Counselling and Psychology, we have a team of experienced, skilled, and caring therapists who can support you.
