Changing Seasons

In Wheat Ridge, Colorado, we become no stranger to the frigid temperatures and isolating times of winter. There are stark contrasts between anxiety, depression, and Seasonal Depression that can surface during these times. Sadly, COVID has also brought a new aspect into our world, as if we didn’t have enough on our plates. Fortunately, working with a mental health therapist can help. If you’re experiencing a sudden sadness that doesn’t seem to shake off, this could be seasonal depression. Keep reading to learn what you can do. 

What is seasonal depression

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more commonly known as seasonal depression. This is a type of depression that is related to or caused by the seasons changing. It is most common to take place in the fall and winter months. For most people with seasonal depression, their symptoms may begin in the fall and carry on through the winter. Some of these symptoms include:

  • Having low energy, 
  • Losing interest in activities that were once important, 
  • Feeling tired, sluggish, or agitated
  • Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
  • Having problems with sleeping
  • Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight
  • Having difficulty concentrating
  • Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
  • Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide

Where Does Seasonal Depression Start 

The shorter days and reduced sunlight during these months are a factor. A lack of sunlight can negatively affect your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. Feelings of depression can lead to isolation and loneliness. Another factor could be a change in the hormones serotonin and melatonin. These affect sleep patterns and overall mood. Please note, this knowledge is not designed to substitute seeing a medical doctor, just FYI. 

Stress is a significant factor as well. Job, family, and life all offer various ways of playing havoc on one’s nervous system. In addition to stress, The Mayo Clinic has noted that one’s natural body rhythm can also feel off due to the seasons and stress in life. These stressors in life can also contribute to a reduction of melatonin production and a decrease in serotonin levels. 

Get help for seasonal depression in Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Seasonal Depression

Treatment Options

Even though the weather in Wheat Ridge, CO, is as unstable as a house of cards, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the symptoms. Exercising is one example. Exercise can boost serotonin and increase your mood. When the frontal lobe of your brain is strong, it becomes more resilient. This resiliency helps you go through good times and weather the bad times. This resiliency is the same resiliency that helps you push through the difficult times in your relationship. 

Your medical doctor can offer insight into SAD as well. If diagnosed with SAD, it’s still in your best interest to engage with a psychotherapist to understand all that can be contributing to SAD. You can do numerous things regularly that can decrease the symptoms associated with SAD, such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, or even a breathing regimen. 

Another option is to stick to a schedule. 

Adhering to a schedule can help your sleep schedule and also with not overeating. Since this is a type of depression, one of the most important treatments for seasonal depression would be to speak with a therapist. A licensed psychotherapist or counselor will know how to manage depression and increase your ability to create structure. Many may find that even just talking about what they are going through starts to help.

Bouts of depression often affect everyone. Some people are angry about their depression. Other’s can tend to isolate and avoid human contact. Lastly, some might even show happiness on the surface, but just underneath, they order from the menu of guilt, saddness, and self-loathing. 

Contact Us now to see how we can best support you.

Community Resources

One thing you should know about therapists is we care. We want to help out if we can, but we recognize we must also adhere to laws. It takes significant vulnerability and courage to reach out when you are in need. If you think therapy isn’t suitable for you, a few community resources can help. 

If you are in crisis, you should do one of the following:

  1. Call the Colorado Crisis Clinic at (884) 493- 8255.
  2. Call 911.
  3. Go to an emergency room.

Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1