As the winter solstice approaches, days become shorter and darker. Often, the commute between home and work or school takes place in darkness. In addition, the holiday season can bring up family conflicts, loneliness, grief, money concerns, or increased use of substances such as alcohol. Even therapy in Dallas, far South of our snowy neighbors, is full of those who find the winter season challenging. Some people experience serious mood changes in response to these seasonal changes. If that sounds like you, it may be time to consult with a professional who can evaluate you for signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Here are some possible symptoms of SAD to take into consideration:
- Sadness or depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities (known as anhedonia)
- Changes in appetite or cravings; weight gain or loss
- Change in sleep patterns; often too much
- Decreased energy or increased fatigue despite increased sleep
- Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., pacing, fidgeting, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech that are observable by others
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Improvement as spring and summer begin
A mental health specialist can help you determine if your symptoms could be SAD, clinical depression, a mood disorder, or another condition that could potentially be treated with behavioral therapy.
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If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.