Depression During the Holidays

Seasonal depression is not a myth. It is a legitimate and common form of depression that can be triggered by a change in seasons, usually at the start of fall. Additionally, you may suffer depression during the holidays caused by reliving childhood trauma and interacting with toxic individuals or being back in a triggering environment. Your seasonal depression will often get worse in the winter. Without vital depression treatment offered by a caring team of medical professionals, seasonal depression can take a severe toll on your daily life and potentially lead to other addictive behaviors. If you or someone you love suffers from depression during the holidays, reach out to us today online or call 833.685.1700 today to discover how our depression treatment can help.

What Causes Seasonal Depression?

It’s absolutely normal to feel a little bit down during the darker, colder months. It gets dark early, and you may be stuck inside more than usual. Mild versions of seasonal depression are often called the ‘winter blues,’ but this is an actual form of depression that impacts how you think, feel, and act throughout your daily life. Mental health treatment can help you overcome depression during the holidays and increase the quality of your wellbeing.

The exact causes of seasonal depression are not fully known. It may be that the sheer lack of sunlight during each day may trigger the condition, but some of what may bring on seasonal affective disorder may include:

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D from the sun also delivers a boost of serotonin for people, but less sunlight means less vitamin D. This means less happiness due to a vitamin D deficiency, which could cause depression during the holidays. If you find yourself feeling less happy in the fall and winter and during the year-end holiday season, a depression treatment program may be able to help you.

Biological Clock Change

Reduced exposure to sunlight may cause some students’ biological clocks to shift. Your internal clock regulates your mood, sleep, and hormones. When it changes in the fall, some individuals may
have trouble regulating their moods and could feel depressed as a result.

Brain Chemical Imbalance

Neurotransmitters in the brain send communications between nerves, including doses of serotonin. This serotonin contributes to your feelings of happiness, but students at risk of seasonal depression may already have less serotonin activity. A depression treatment program may help find a balance that will get you safely through the darker months and help manage your depression during the holidays. Because sunlight helps regulate serotonin, the lack of sun during the festive year-end period can be challenging.

Negative Thoughts

People with seasonal depression often also suffer from stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts about winter and the holiday season. These thoughts may either be a cause or an effect of depression during the holidays.

Signs You Are Battling Seasonal Depression

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression, not a separate mental health disorder. People who suffer from depression during the holidays could benefit from a depression treatment program. Signs of seasonal depression include:

• Sadness and anxiety
• Appetite changes, cravings for carbs, and weight gain
• Depression, withdrawal from social circles, and a loss of interest in hobbies and passions
• Lack of energy, oversleeping, and day sleeping
• Feeling hopeless and worthless
• Difficulty concentrating and irritability
• Frequent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation

Learn More at Alina Lodge

If you or someone you love regularly suffers from seasonal depression, contact Alina Lodge today using our secure online form or call us at 833.685.1700. Learn how our depression treatment program can help you cope with and manage depression during the holidays.