Seasonal depression is a common issue, especially for people who live in cold countries like Canada. In winter, when days become shorter and less sunny, we can experience changes in our mood and feel more sad, tired, or sleepy than usual. It happens because lack of natural light causes decreased production of serotonin, which controls our mood and makes us happy, and increased production of melatonin, which makes us sleepy.
The “winter blues” can be mild or rather serious, affecting our everyday life. A severe form of seasonal mood, change is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
depressed mood
sleeping and eating too much
fatigue, energy loss
difficulty concentrating
loss of interest in favorite activities
feeling worthless, suicidal thoughts
Certain categories of people are prone to having SAD. Women suffer from it more often than men do, and young adults are more likely to have winter blues than children or people above 30. People who live in cold and rainy climate are at greater risk of having SAD. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 2 to 10% of Canadians are affected by seasonal depression.
How to deal with Seasonal Depression?
Staying active and taking care of yourself helps improve your mood. Regular exercise, healthy diet, a regular sleep schedule, and being social can reduce symptoms of seasonal depression.
It is necessary to remember that it is a common disorder caused by factors beyond our control and ask for professional help if you feel that you cannot cope alone.
SAD is effectively treated by ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, some medications, and counselling, for example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
If you have any questions or feel that you may need a help with the seasonal depression, please contact us or book a free initial session with us.
