Seasonal Changes Affect Mental Health-Seasonal Depression

Last night at my son’s baseball game it was dark too early. It starts to creep up my spine every fall. Don’t get me wrong, I love a nice fall day with crisp mornings and dry air. My body does not. My mind and physical self become enemies once again. My biology screams eat and sleep. The normal everyday cognitive side says work hard and have fun and eat and sleep normally. Living in Kentucky, allergies seems to work themselves into this mix too and before long, the body starts to win out. I think I know what a bear feels like right before winter! I just don’t think anyone will let me go to a cave for 5 months, although that is where a grumpy bear belongs, right?

Humor aside, Seasonal Affective Disorder, now Depression with Seasonal Component is very real in Kentucky and many states where the weather changes are dramatic. Here is an older article I wrote to refer to: http://www.counselinglexingtonky.com/2014/03/10/seasonal-disorder-holiday-blues-equal-therapy/

Remember the symptoms from WEBMD

• Feel sad, grumpy, moody, or anxious.
• Lose interest in your usual activities.
• Eat more and crave carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta.
• Gain weight.
• Sleep more but still feel tired.
• Have trouble concentrating.

National Insitiute of Mental Health

• Sad, anxious or “empty” feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
• Changes in weight
• Thoughts of death or suicide

What helps?

• Exercise
• Having something to look forward to on your schedule you enjoy
• Lights, Custom Light Boxes, Regular Exposure to Sunlight
• Eating healthier than average and limiting fat
• Staying socially active and involved
• Normal sleep including wake up and sleep times that are stable and consistent
• Medication options that might be temporary
• Therapy including cognitive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy
• Vitamin D supplements

What hurts?

• Sleeping too much
• Overeating
• Isolation
• Staying indoors
• Lack of sunlight

If you get in trouble with seasonal depression or your mood is down, call us today at 859-338-0466 or click here for all of our offices in Lexington, Frankfort, and Richmond KY. We offer counseling, therapy, and psychiatry services to help you be happy in the colder months here in Kentucky.