Think again. As a therapist, I’ve seen the damaging effects firsthand. Don’t dismiss it until you’ve read these three compelling reasons why it’s a real and debilitating mental health condition.
Seasonal depression disorder is a real mental health condition with symptoms that extend beyond feeling sad or low, caused by decreased serotonin levels in the brain during the winter months, and requires treatment and support to manage.
- The symptoms of seasonal depression disorder are not limited to feeling sad or low. They can include changes in appetite and sleep patterns, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and physical symptoms like headaches and body aches.
- Lack of sunlight during the winter months can impact our circadian rhythms and serotonin levels, both of which are linked to mood regulation. Individuals with seasonal depression disorder have been shown to have decreased levels of serotonin in their brains during the winter months, contributing to feelings of depression and anxiety.
- Seasonal depression disorder is a real and diagnosable mental health condition that requires treatment and support to manage. While some may argue that it is simply a response to a change in the environment, the experiences of those who suffer from it cannot be ignored.
General counseling is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Seek help from licensed therapists or counselors as every individual’s situation is unique.
