SEASON CHANGES MOOD CHANGES

"It's Spring, But Why Does It Feel Like Winter?"

     Change of seasons can affect the body, plants, and animals.  The change of weather can have a major affect on our moods and health just as it can have a drastic affect on our roads/outside environment (see picture).  According to studies, some people tend to feel more depress during winter season months due to there is less daylight and others may feel irritable and aggressive during summer season months due to rising in temperatures.  This is known as seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.). 

     Were you aware there was such a thing?  It does makes sense how the change of weather can affect your mood.  When it's cloudy and rainy I'm less energetic as to when it's sunny and bright I feel more motivated or energetic to do things.

So what exactly is Season Affective Disorder?

It is a type of depression that occurs during certain time of the year usually in winter.  Women are affected more than men.

Symptoms?

Seasonal affective disorder can build up slowly during late fall or winter months and go away during sunnier days of spring and summer.  However, some people can have the opposite pattern by having symptoms in spring or summer.  Symptoms can start out slowly and become severe as the season progresses.

Symptoms are just about the same as any other forms of depression, such as:

Winter seasonal affective disorder

• Less energy and ability to concentrate
• Hopelessness
• Social withdrawal
• Weight gain
• Loss of interest in work or activities
• Appetite changes
• Anxiety
• Increased sleep or oversleeping
• Unhappiness
• Sluggish movements

Spring and summer seasonal affective disorder

• Insomnia
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Weight loss
• Increased sex drive
• Poor appetite

There are no test for SAD.  It is normal to have some days of you feeling down.  But if you tend to feel down more often than usual, can't seem to get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, sleep and appetite patterns changes, thoughts of suicide, turning to alcohol or drugs for comfort then see a doctor.

     When you are struggling with depression talk about how you are feeling with someone you trust.  If you can, try to be around people who are caring and positive.  Volunteer or get involved with group activities.