_PNG.png){kind=small}
Picture this: you wake up for school at seven a.m. and it’s pitch black outside. Getting up means another long day of classes, homework, tests, clubs and assignments. In September, the thought of these activities was an exciting challenge, but now, it seems like an impossible burden. All you want to do is stay in bed and sleep. Despite the Christmas lights and holiday cheer, you feel undeniably depressed. What’s going on?
According to The Canadian Mental Health Association, Seasonal Affective Disorders, also known as seasonal depression or by the acronym SAD, makes up around 10% of all depression cases. The main symptom of SAD is a persistent despairing mood which impacts performance at school, work, or in relationships. Other symptoms may include increased or decreased appetite, decreased interest in activities, decreased concentration, low self-esteem, and oversleeping. In severe cases, individuals may even experience suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, and delusions.
For several years, medical practitioners were hesitant to even acknowledge the concept of seasonal depression. Many argued that depression is caused by a variety of factors. However, the patterns and statistics revealed the truth: more cases of depressions were recorded in the fall and winter months. Researchers now believe that SAD is triggered by the lower amounts of sunlight in fall and winter. Less sunlight leads to lower dopamine levels and increased melatonin levels making individuals moody and fatigued. Research by The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has identified risk factors for developing SAD, such as a family history of depression. Their studies also found that women, young adults, and individuals living further North or South of the equator are more likely to develop SAD. Although it is less common, SAD may also affect people in the summer and spring.
December is more than Christmas and Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve—it is also Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month. This December, you can support those living with SAD by donating to organizations such as The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to improve mental health care resources and awareness. Another great way to support this often overlooked cause is to support your own mental health and the mental health of your loved ones. Most importantly, listen to how you’re feeling. Many people dismiss SAD as a simple case of the winter blues, but your mental condition might be much more serious than you think or worsen over time. This holiday season, remember to give yourself time to rest and reset.