As the seasons change, so do our moods. Many people feel the gloom of the fall and winter months, but are unaware of the reasons. Seasonal depression occurs when there’s a change in the seasons that brings with it a sense of sadness or loneliness. It often happens during winter months, but can occur whenever there are significant changes in your lifestyle. While it may just seem like a sad time, for many people it is important to recognize when the signs of seasonal depression go too far. That’s when you may need some additional help. Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida can help you.
Why Does Seasonal Depression Happen?
Before you take a look at some of the common signs of depression, consider why seasonal depression happens. There are multiple factors here. First, for some, the change in the weather itself can lead to feelings of despair. You are not getting outdoors. The sun is not as bright. Vitamin D levels are low. You just feel gloomy. The amount of sunlight is also very low.
Seasonal depression also occurs as a result of changes in mood related to what happens during the fall and winter months. For example, after all of the build-up to the during the summer season, seeing family, and having a good time, you are now at home, alone, and feeling let down.
What Are the Signs of Seasonal Depression?
While seasonal depression may not seem like a big deal, not dealing with it properly can impact your relationships, your ability to work, and even your overall mental health. For some people, it may lead to the use of drugs and alcohol as a way of dealing with it. That’s why you need to see the signs of seasonal depression in yourself and act on them. They may include:
- You feel depressed or sad most of the day.
- You have trouble concentrating and focusing on tasks.
- You have low energy.
- You don’t have any interest in the things you usually find enjoyable.
- You want to be outdoors.
- You have a drop in sexual desire.
- You’re craving more carbs.
If you are feeling these types of experiences, it may be important to take a closer look at why they are happening to you. What you don’t want to do is to allow seasonal depression to cause you to move into more significant depression.
What You Can Do About It
When you see the signs of seasonal depression in yourself or your family, don’t wait to take action. It’s best to work closely with a team that can help. If you are using drugs or alcohol, you may benefit from addiction counseling services. Drug detox programs are a good place to start if there is significant use.
For others, individual counseling and therapy can offer the care you need. You may also benefit from dual diagnosis treatment if you are using drugs or alcohol and trying to cope with mental illness.
Find the Support You Need at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
If you see the signs of seasonal depression in yourself or even in a loved one, it’s important to take action. When depression lingers and doesn’t get better, it’s time to get more advanced support. In addition to depresison treatment, we offer a number of other mental health treatment programs. Some of these programs include:
- Bipolar Disorder Treatment Program
- Anxiety Treatment Program
- Schizophrenia Treatment Center
- Behavioral Health Services
- Health and Wellness Program
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we offer the tools and strategies to help you do that. Call 866.294.5306 to learn more. Depression does not have to keep you from living your life. Get the help that you need today.
