How to Recognize the Symptoms of Seasonal Depression and Seek Help

Seasonal depression affects over 11 million Americans every year. Sadly, most of them don’t realize they have this mental problem. They just don’t understand what is wrong with them and what they can do to feel better. So, what can you do to handle this mental health issue? Keep reading to discover how to recognize the symptoms of seasonal depression and seek help.

Persistent Low Mood

While it’s normal to feel low every now and Ramadan Sale, it is a concern when you can shake off the feeling. You may experience a nagging feeling of sadness and hopelessness. You may try various things to cheer yourself up, but nothing seems to work. If you have been struggling with low mood, then you might have seasonal depression.

While you might shake off the feeling after some time, it can negatively affect your life.

Low Energy and Fatigue

Have you been feeling unusually tired over the past few weeks? Maybe you wake up feeling exhausted and struggle to do even the most basic things. If you have been facing these challenges, there’s a high chance you have seasonal depression.

That’s why, despite taking time off work, you still feel tired all the time. You might feel overwhelmed, finding it hard to concentrate. Things you used to do with ease might feel like a burden.

Loss of Interest in Activities and People

The other symptom of seasonal depression is a profound loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. You might start withdrawing from social interactions and preferring to spend most of your time alone. Fun things might become boring and tiresome. You may opt to spend most of your time doing nothing as you no longer seem to enjoy things.

Sadly, the isolation can exacerbate seasonal depression as it can magnify the feeling of hopelessness. So, push yourself to spend most of your time outdoors, even if you don’t feel like going out. Try out new hobbies, as this can arouse your interest and improve your mood.

Changes in Appetite and Weight

Seasonal depression can trigger drastic changes in appetite. Some people develop strong cravings for carbohydrates and end up overeating. They enjoy consuming large quantities of foods high in sugars and starches. Unfortunately, overeating and low physical activity lead to massive weight gain. The excess weight can worsen the problem as it causes low self-esteem.

Conversely, some individuals with seasonal depression might struggle with a loss of appetite. They may go for days without taking anything as they don’t seem to experience any hunger. These individuals often lose weight drastically, which can cause other health complications.

Conclusion

If you notice any of the above symptoms of seasonal depression, consider seeking professional help. Talk to a mental health expert to get a proper diagnosis of the problem. If the specialist concludes you have seasonal depression, they can prescribe medication. They can also guide you on things you can do to better manage the problem. The goal is to effectively overcome issues such as appetite problems and mood swings.