Possible trigger warning: discussion of depression and other mental health disorders.
Although summer officially ended on September 22nd, let’s face it; it’s been over for at least a month by now. With the arrival of fall, my social media feeds have become inundated by excitement over pumpkin spice lattes, the return of chilly weather, pumpkin and apple picking adventures, and much more. Yet as the air grows cooler and breezes become more abrasive, an old, familiar chill settles in. But it’s not the declining temperature that causes it; it’s the mere change of the seasons.
As the seasons change, many people experience a sudden change in their mood. This negative energy, often referred to as simply “Winter blues”, can quickly spiral into feelings of anxiety and/or depression. For those with pre-existing mental conditions, it aggravates these feelings, while for others, it is merely a form of seasonal depression. While mental health experts argue over the validity of such a seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, as an independent medical condition rather than an extension of depression itself, scientific evidence does indicate a legitimate change in mood for many people during the change of the seasons. Unsurprisingly, a decline in mood is most likely to begin in the Fall and progress until the middle of the Winter, although it can occur between any of the seasons.
The anxiety which results from SAD can be disorienting and confusing. Since we compartmentalize each year into seasons, their changes force us to confront the reality of the limitations of time. For others, a new season represents change and a lack of familiarity; a sort of existential dread, if you will. It can instill a general feeling of anticipation or angst, as it reveals the pressure of an uncertain future. Like other mental health conditions, SAD is inherently an isolating force. But there are ways to combat these emotions, or at least to try to.
- Go outside. Take 15-30 minutes out of your busy day to take a walk, or ride a bike, or jog somewhere. Or just sit outside with a book or your laptop. One of the root causes of SAD is the lack of sunlight associated with the fall, so you’ll need to soak up some rays every once in awhile. In addition, exercise offers endorphins which naturally boost your mood.
- Share your experiences with others. Although many people seem to enjoy the fall, the commonality of SAD suggests otherwise. Try not to bottle up your feelings; share them with others. They may be experiencing similar emotions; if not, at least you can vent your frustrations to them. The condition tends to make a person feel alienated from the earth’s processes and its inhabitants; this is a way to remain connected.
- If symptoms persist, see an expert. While exercising, getting more sunlight, and communicating with others may alleviate symptoms, in more severe cases, it is imperative to discuss your condition with a doctor. If seasonal feelings of depression and/or anxiety are persistent and prevent you from living your life and deriving any pleasure from your day-to-day activities, there is no equally effective alternative to seeking medical treatment. One common form of treatment for SAD is light therapy, although there are medicinal and psychotherapeutic options available as well.
SAD is most common in females aged 18-30, and people with either personal or family histories of depression are more susceptible as well. While my article clearly doesn’t offer a full medical description of the condition, searches on WebMD, the Mayo clinic’s websites, and other reliable sources can offer more information on this subject (however, they can't offer a definitive diagnosis; only a professional can). Above all, please remember to take care of yourself, and understand that you are never alone.
