I’m going to ask a simple question: what is your favorite season? 

Is it spring, with the fresh blossoming flowers and longer days? Or the ‘sweater weather’ of autumn, where the air turns crisper and the trees flourish with color? Or do you enjoy every season? Some people pick their favorite season just for simply enjoying it. But for others, the reasoning isn’t as simple. 

As it begins to become increasingly chillier in the mornings and turn nighttime quicker, you may experience something known as the ‘winter blues’, which is when you’re feeling down during the cold months. Millions of people experience this brief sadness, however for some people it’s not as fleeting. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder, known as SAD or seasonal depression, is a type of depression that follows the change of seasons. SAD occurs and ends around the same time every year. The most common kind of SAD starts in the fall or winter and ends in the springtime, but SAD can also start during the spring and summer and end in the fall. It isn’t just a ‘funk’ or the blues from the change in weather. It can be just as harrowing as any other type of depression. 

Furthermore, each type of SAD comes with different symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fall/Winter SAD is characterized with oversleeping, craving foods high in carbohydrates, weight gain, and low energy. Overall, though, SAD comes with the usual symptoms of depression: feeling down nearly all the time, losing interests in activities you enjoyed, feeling hopeless, and having problems concentrating. Seasonal depression doesn’t have an exact cause, but things such as circadian rhythm (our body’s internal clock that tells us when to sleep and when to be awake), melatonin (the sleep hormone) levels, and serotonin (the ‘happiness’ hormone) levels play a role in it.

With that being said, how do you go about stopping it? For some, it’s as simple as allowing yourself to relax and give yourself grace during the chilly months, but for others it may take some more TLC. One of these treatments is called light therapy, which is exactly what it sounds like: sitting in front of a bright light box everyday for around 30 minutes for the duration of the fall-winter seasons.  This light is supposed to mimic the brightness of the sun, which allows for our circadian rhythm to ‘rest’ for longer and be prepared for the day. Other treatments, such as taking antidepressants or psychotherapy (AKA counseling), can be beneficial. 

While the change of seasons signifies a new beginning, upcoming celebrations, and seasonal plans, it can bring about an unwelcomed sadness. So, the next time you find yourself missing the warmth of summer, give yourself some extra time to unwind, and remember to reach out to loved ones and professions who can support you during those hard times.