Seasonal Depression, A Guide

Have you ever wondered why you feel gloomier during the winter months? No, it's not just the weather. Did you know that up to 6% of the American population suffers from SAD? If you find yourself feeling more down than usual during the winter months, you may be experiencing seasonal depression. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs at the same time each year, usually starting in the fall and continuing into the winter.

While the exact cause of seasonal depression is unknown, it is believed to be related to the reduced amount of sunlight exposure during these months. This can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and lead to feelings of sadness, low energy, and even despair.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help ease your symptoms and get through this tough time of year. Read on to learn more about seasonal depression and how you can manage it.

Defining Seasonal Depression

Seasonal depression is a type of depression that affects some people in the winter months. It differs from conventional depression in a few ways - for example, it generally has more noticeable changes in:

• Appetite
• Sleeping patterns
• Bouts of low energy

Seasonal depression also tends to show up at specific times such as late fall and winter, when days are shorter, instead of lasting all year round like many forms of regular depression. However, this doesn't mean that seasonal depression isn't serious; it should be taken into consideration just like other forms of depression.

The Symptoms of Seasonal Depression

Symptoms of seasonal depression usually involve:

• Feeling fatigued
• Having low energy levels
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss or increase in appetite
• Social withdrawal
• And other similar signs

Everyone experiences these issues differently but one thing is certain - they can take a toll on your mental wellness. Therefore, it's important to become aware of the potential symptoms so you can recognize when something is wrong and get help right away.

The Causes of Seasonal Depression

For most people, seasonal depression is caused by a combination of three major factors:

• Lack of sunlight
• Changes in circadian rhythms 
• Imbalances in brain chemistry

Once you've discovered the cause of your SAD, you will have a better idea of how to combat your depression.

The next steps include:

• Seeking medical advice
• Making environmental adjustments
• Adopting positive lifestyle changes

Nutritional supplements can also help in relieving some of the symptoms, as they can help regulate some of the vitamins we are missing in the colder months.

Start Your Journey to a Healthier Winter Today

Seasonal depression is a type of depression that happens at the same time each year. If you notice yourself feeling more down than usual during certain seasons, it could be seasonal depression. The first step to overcoming any obstacle is admitting that there’s a problem so if you think you might be suffering from seasonal depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Our team at TNK Nutrition is here for you and wants to help you on your journey to better mental health. We offer a variety of services such as light therapy boxes and natural nutritional supplements to help improve your mood and increase your energy levels. Don’t suffer through another season alone, start your journey with us today!