Seasonal depression can be tough, but there are ways to combat it.
MACON, Ga. — When the days get shorter and the leaves start to fall, some people’s moods do too.
Is named seasonal depressionbut there are some ways to fight back.
As we head into the fall and winter months, some people are feeling a little sad like mom Shernethia Stephens.
“When it’s dark for me, it gets me down a little bit, but I get over it,” Stephens said.
Feeling mood swings as the seasons change is common.
“Seasonal depression is a type of depression that occurs during certain seasons of the year,” said therapist Verlyn Hargrove.
Hargrove says those shorter daylight hours actually play a role.
“When there’s not as much sunlight, that affects our rhythm for some people. Our serotonin levels drop, and serotonin is something that makes you feel good,” he said.
Hargrove says that the sun also creates vitamin D, which is important when it comes to your mood.
She says seasonal depression can sometimes heighten feelings of sadness someone is already experiencing, especially if they’re also going through trauma.
“Then those feelings are heightened and it’s very important to talk to someone,” Hargrove said.
There are a few things that can help make it more bearable. Talking it out with a professional can make a big difference, but it can also help to be active and build in some time outside.
If you have felt depressed at the same time of year for the last 2 years, that is one way to identify that you may be suffering from seasonal depression.
Some other ways to manage it include light therapy with artificial lights because it mimics natural sunlight and can also help improve your sleep patterns.
