Hormonal changes that occur in our body with the change of seasons can cause symptoms of depression to appear.
Seasonal depression is defined as a mental disorder that usually occurs during seasonal transition periods and can turn into major depression. It can also be referred to as seasonal affective disorder.
Experts state that the cause of seasonal depression is the hormonal changes that occur in our body as sunlight decreases in autumn and winter.
Seasonal depression, which affects approximately 6 percent of the world’s population and is known to be more common in women, carries a 33% to 44% risk of turning into major depression when it goes unnoticed and progresses.
What is seasonal depression?
“A big, common misconception about seasonal depression/mood disorder is that it’s just the ‘winter blues,'” said Kelly Rohan, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychological science at the University of Vermont.
The cooling of the weather and the decrease in sunny, bright days can cause temporary malaise, fatigue or stress. However, Dr. According to Rohan, seasonal depression is a condition that should be taken more seriously. Symptoms may last longer and become difficult to control as they change with the seasons.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, you may be diagnosed with seasonal affective depression if you experience certain symptoms that start and stop in certain months and occur for at least two consecutive years. Other symptoms also sought are as follows:
What causes seasonal depression?
Why do people become more depressed in winter? The reason for this is the neurobiological changes that occur in our body depending on the seasons. The neurobiological effects associated with seasonal depression are often linked to decreased daylight hours and changes in the body’s biological clock. Here are some key factors that contribute to this situation:
Melatonin production: As the days get shorter during the winter months, the body produces more melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that affects sleep patterns, and overproduction or imbalance can cause feelings of fatigue and depression.
Circadian rhythm changes: Shorter days and less daylight can affect the body’s biological clock (circadian rhythm), which can lead to problems such as insomnia or oversleeping, which can lead to depression.
Serotonin levels: Serotonin is a brain chemical known as the “happiness hormone,” and changes in light levels can lower serotonin levels. It is known that disruption of serotonin balance has negative effects on mood and motivation.
Vitamin D deficiency: Sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D in the body. Decreased sunlight during the winter months causes vitamin D levels to drop. When our vitamin D levels, which have important functions regarding our mood, decrease, we may feel more depressed and tired.
The combination of these factors may contribute to people experiencing symptoms of seasonal depression during the winter months. Of course, everyone may react differently to these changes, and the severity of this situation may vary depending on geographical location, genetics and personal health status.
Psychiatrist Dr. from Yale School of Medicine. Paul Desan states that seasonal depression is much more common in women than in men. At the same time, according to research, it is much more common in people living in northern parts of the United States, such as Alaska or New England, than in those living in southern regions such as Florida. This shows that the region you live in and the amount of sun exposure directly affect this situation.
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