Short Daylight Hours in The Winter Can Lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder
December 5, 2024
As the frenzy of the holiday season winds down the effects of the winter season can sneak up on you. While the winter holidays can naturally lead to anxiety and depression, they are not always the source of more serious mental health struggles. The short daylight hours in the winter season can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Although the definitive cause of SAD is still unknown, some research has found that sunlight affects molecules that maintain normal serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical messenger in the body that helps the body regulate mood, appetite, stress, sleep and more. Thus, the lack of sunlight in the winter can negatively affect your body’s ability to cope with everyday life.
Common symptoms of SAD include:
- Persistent sadness, anxiousness or empty mood, for nearly every day, for over two weeks
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Frequent irritability or restlessness
- Loss of interest in enjoyed activities and/or socializing
- Decreased energy
- Drastic changes in sleep and appetite
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you think you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 immediately and follow up with a professional.
While the winter season is only temporary, the symptoms of SAD can persist into the spring and even lead to long term effects if left untreated. SAD can be treated by mental health professionals and can often consist of:
- Light therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Antidepressant medication
- Vitamin D supplements
Take care of your mental health this winter season. Even if your symptoms don’t indicate SAD, the shortened daylight hours can still affect you. If you are concerned about your mental health, reach out to a professional and get the help you need.
Source: National Institutes of Mental Health