Merry or Dreary? This is the question circulating in many minds during the holiday season. While most find comfort during a season filled with giving, some find themselves in a state where they feel that they have nothing to give. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also referred to as “Seasonal Depression”, occurs when a person is induced into a depressive episode during a specific season. The most common season is winter, with January and February as the most common months. The cause of seasonal depression has been linked to the cold weather and the lack of sunlight. The combination of the two makes for a still winter contrasted with a busy mind of anxiety and depression for those who suffer from SAD. Some typical symptoms include a lack of sleep, high anxiety levels, hopelessness, poor eating habits, and suicidal thoughts.
The season of summer is also linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder. Also known as “Summertime Sadness,” the disorder also causes a depressive state that disrupts one’s personal life. The rise of Summertime Sadness has been found in young adults and teens over recent years. The cause can easily be referred to the rise of social media and the disconnect between reality and falsehood within it. As our generation grows with technology, technology grows on our generation. The impact of the two has resulted in an increase in worsened mental health cases and a mass growth of anxiety. Summertime Sadness is a great example. The change in scheduling, such as going from school to summer, is also linked to SAD. The excitement of a summer full of long days and plenty of time is appealing to most students, but to others, it causes a question of, “What do I do now?” This question grows in the minds of those who suffer from SAD and merges into a web of anxious thoughts, depressive moods, and never-ending questions.
Seasonal depression is a fairly new concept to the world of medicine and mental health, but that doesn’t neglect the authenticity and seriousness of the problem. It might be difficult to emphasize when you only see the joyous moments and fulfilling days of your favorite season, but those same days can be ones of dread for your neighbor. Remember to walk through life with the heart to acknowledge that you’re not the only one walking, some people are running, some are jumping, and some can barely keep up.
To anyone in need of help:
Mental health crisis hotline- 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Depression hotline- 866-903-3787
