Many struggle to enjoy the colder seasons due to seasonal affective disorder
Colder seasons may trigger feelings of depression
By Aja Carter
Published: Sep. 30, 2024 at 7:46 PM EDT
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -Many people find that the fall and winter months bring feelings of coziness and comfort yet for others it could trigger feelings of depression.
Shorter days and less sunlight cause some to experience seasonal affective disorder, which is described as a change in season that causes depression.
Thousands of people experience it each year, but some are unaware they have it.
According to Ariel Ludwig, outpatient services manager for Valeo, the disorder can cause changes in behavior and moods or experience fatigue and isolation.
“When you have depression it’s not abnormal for the body to feel imbalanced. So if you take the general things that you learn in health class, your sleep, diet hygiene, and all that stuff and you’re just not doing it or you’re doing too much, it’s possible that you may be experiencing some level of seasonal affective disorder,” said Ludwig.
The holidays also can heighten feelings of depression.
“The people who have no family or are without family will struggle and need more help. But those who feel kind of defective, they feel almost shameful that they’re not experiencing it in a fun loving as others,” said Ludwig.
Tricia Sublet, mental health director for SENT Topeka, recommends a few good habits that could help cope or even prevent symptoms of the disorder.
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