What Is Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal depression is also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It happens every year during the winter months from the fall or winter to spring or early summer. In rare occasions summer depression occurs from late spring or early summer to the fall.
Scientists are not sure what exactly causes SAD. It can be related to hormones and some say that the weather plays a role. The brain produces less serotonin as a result of less sunlight in the winter months. Serotonin regulates your moods. Low levels can cause depression, weight gain and fatigue.
Women suffer normally more than men from SAD. Everyone can experience it differently, the severity of the symptoms differ from case-to-case. Countries with year-round sunshine rarely report any cases.
Symptoms during winter include lower energy levels, concentration problems, fatigue, increased appetite, a greater desire to be alone, weight gain and more need for sleep. During the summer it is weight loss, trouble sleeping and little to no appetite.
Go to your doctor if you experience some of these symptoms. You can be assessed and get the proper treatment. The treatment can differ and depends on the severity of your depression.
If it is possible, try to get outside in the morning to feel more natural light on your body. If this is not possible in the winter months, you can resort to medication or light therapy (phototherapy). A full-spectrum bright light is used during light therapy to shine indirectly into your eyes. It is possible to recover within days of use.