Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a kind of silent disorder that influences a person’s feelings in late fall and early winter in the United States. According to the latest report from Thriveworks seasonal depression hits its highest point at the third week of November. Also, the interest in searching on Google for symptoms and ways for support of the issue is widely increasing from the middle of August to late autumn.
Data indicate that during the period between the middle of August and late September, the number of internet searches for seasonal depression, related topics increases by approximately 125% and after that, the number of searches remains high until the middle of December. This trend is closely associated with shorter days, darker evenings, and colder temperatures, particularly in northern states. In cities like Idaho Falls, Salt Lake City, Missoula, Syracuse, and Binghamton the level of interest in seasonal depression through search is ranked among the top in the country.
According to the analysis, the average temperature change of the aforementioned top cities is close to a decrease of 28 degrees from September to December and so greatly increasing the conditions that can lead to the worsening of seasonal depression. The sudden co, occurrence of less daylight and colder weather can break the normal functions of circadian rhythms, serotonin levels, and daily routines, all of which lead to the symptoms recognized in seasonal depression such as being down, tiredness, sleeping more, and craving for carbohydrates.
Doctors advise individuals inclined to seasonal depression, to get prepared in advance: therapy sessions on the calendar, light therapy considered, continued movement and social connection, and vitamin D levels checked. Those close to the person can support the individual by recognizing changes in behavior, inviting casual conversations, and acknowledging seasonal depression as a real health issue, rather than just winter blues.
The positive aspect is that seasonal depression can be treated, and knowing the time when it occurs allows people and providers to prepare for the worst weeks. Being prepared in advance can make a season that has been difficult in the past a more manageable one, even a meaningful time for reflection and rest.
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