Local Rehab Shows Seasonal Depression Awareness

Lexington, KY - SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky recently published a blog post that brings awareness to seasonal depression in the community. Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression influenced by the changing of seasons. While it can be expected to feel a little sad as the weather becomes colder in Kentucky, those with this condition often experience worsening depression symptoms.

“Both SAD and depression can have similar symptoms, but the most significant difference is when these symptoms occur. SAD occurs when the seasons shift. People who experience seasonal depression might have much worse symptoms during the periods of fall and winter than they do during the rest of the year. Most of the time, a medical professional will also look at a two-year time frame before diagnosing seasonal depression. In this case, they are looking to see if there is a seasonal increase in symptoms for two or more consecutive years. Both seasonal depression and other forms of depression are treatable,” the blog post states.

Seasonal depression occurs as the seasons change. It most often occurs during the fall and winter months, as the days are getting shorter and there is less sunlight. However, it can also happen during the spring and summer months. A factor of seasonal depression is that symptoms improve during the opposite season. Both experiences are valid forms of seasonal depression. Common signs include sleep concerns, low energy, hopelessness, or difficulty concentrating. Depending on the type of seasonal depression, symptoms may vary. Someone with winter-pattern seasonal depression may experience overeating and social withdrawal. Meanwhile, someone with summer-pattern seasonal depression might have a poor appetite and anxiety.

There are many reasons as to why seasonal depression can occur. The seasons disrupt people’s biological clocks, especially during the fall and winter. The lack of sunlight might lead to feelings of depression. Also, serotonin typically drops in the winter due to the reduced sunlight. This natural chemical controls a person’s mood, digestion, and sleep. Also, changes in melatonin can occur during the change of the seasons. Typically, women and younger people tend to experience seasonal depression more often than men and older people. Seasonal depression may also occur due to low vitamin D levels most people get from the sun. If someone is not getting enough of this vitamin in the winter, it can increase their risk of seasonal depression. Having any of these risk factors does not mean that the person will have seasonal depression, but it can increase their chances.

“Here in Kentucky, when the sun sets earlier and rises later, it can become challenging to manage the symptoms that come with seasonal depression. Complications found in severe depression can make things worse for people. However, seeking depression treatment can be the best way to prevent symptoms from getting worse. Nobody should have to experience depression alone, no matter the severity. Getting ahead of your symptoms through treatment can give you the skills to manage them when the season changes before your appetite, energy, and mood changes. Seeking treatment can also help you predict when those symptoms will start and allow you to get the necessary help before the symptoms become troublesome,” the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky solves unmet needs by offering intensive outpatient in Lexington. Their crisis care is available 24/7 to allow people to find stabilization amid a crisis. Their Lexington location can provide treatment for both adolescents and adults. With their no-cost care assessments, they will work with each potential patient and their doctors to determine the best care plan for them.

For more information, visit their website or call them at 859-429-5188. SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky solves unmet needs.