Do the Change of Seasons Affect Depression?

The change in seasons can bring about mood changes and energy levels, and you may not even realize that the weather and outside factors have an effect on your mental health.

As we start to head into the fall months, it’s important to realize that depression levels can be impacted during this time. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a medical term used to describe seasonal depression, and there are many people who suffer from this every year. For months at a time, people will experience higher levels of depression, and this can be due to outside light levels and many other factors as the season changes. Banyan Treatment Center explains exactly how seasonality can have an impact on mental health.

What Factors Contribute to Mood Levels?

When the seasons change, there is a change in the duration of light and the temperatures start to change. The fall and winter months include lower levels of sunlight, and this can have a direct impact on how we feel and how much energy we have. People tend to feel more tired during this time, with less energy to perform daily activities. If you are having trouble getting out of your bed and you feel that you lack motivation to become productive during colder months, this could be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

There is also evidence that points to daylight savings affecting mental health. The extra darkness during fall and winter does contribute to frequent mood changes. Even though there is a connection to higher depression levels, this can easily be treated with the proper care. Mental health treatment should be individualized and catered to your needs. You can expect to engage in therapy sessions that will help you effectively manage your symptoms during the challenging days.