For some, the changing of the seasons can usher in fresh hopes and opportunities, maybe even a little excitement for the upcoming holidays. For others, autumn spells decreased energy and sadness. Statistics show that about half a million people in the United States experience symptoms of depression when the seasons begin to change. This is a form of Major Depressive Disorder, often referred to as Seasonal Depressive Disorder (SAD).

If this sounds familiar and your depressive symptoms have made it difficult for you to live your life as you’d like, it is time to take action. SAD is treatable; you can get over the symptoms of winter SAD or “cabin fever” if you’ll seek professional help.

Understanding SAD

SAD is a kind of depressive disorder or a subtype of major depressive disorder that comes and goes with the seasons. It is a myth that this type of depression only occurs during cooler months. While this is the more common type, symptoms can begin with the changing of any season. There are many individuals that experience symptoms as the seasons change into summer.

While it may be natural to feel slightly less energy or sleep longer initially during the cold months, the seasonal change should not drastically change how you feel or impact your functioning. If your depressive symptoms are making it difficult for you to live your normal day-to-day life, you may be experiencing SAD.

Symptoms of Depression with Seasonal Affective Disorder

SAD is one subtype of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) which means that symptoms are that of MDD as well as some others that are more unique. Symptoms will begin at a particular time of year and will go away at the end of that particular season. The following symptoms are associated with Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Onset aka Seasonal Affective Disorder:

• Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
• Decreased interest or enjoyment
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Sleep disturbance, having difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
• Feeling keyed up or restless. The opposite is also of concern, if you feel that you are slowed down, almost like you are walking through Jello.
• Feeling tired or having a lack of energy nearly every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or feeling excessive guilt
• Having a hard time concentrating and/or making decisions
• Frequent, recurrent thoughts of death

Don’t Wait for the Seasons to Change

Most people are affected by the weather and by the changes in seasons. When the impact of seasonal change is excessive or impacts your ability to live your life as you’d like you may want to seek out a professional. You deserve to feel better. Therapy can help.

SAD is treatable, especially with early intervention. Don’t wait for the season to change. As the last autumn leaf falls to the ground and the first snowflake drops, embrace the changing season without depression. Call Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC to schedule your first appointment.