Dec 21, 2020 in Life Coaching

Do you feel depressed and anxious during Fall and Winter?

You could be suffering from a seasonal affective disorder.

8 members found this to be effective.

It's your turn now! Let's support each other by clicking "Helpful".

+1

Article cover image

DISCUSS #Relationship

DISCUSS #Parenting

As the first day of Winter draws closer, you may find yourself feeling more down than usual, or perhaps you’re more anxious. Depression and anxiety are closely linked—so much so that seasonal anxiety disorders may be lumped in or considered the same as seasonal depression disorders, depending on who you ask. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic at large, seasonal depression has become even worse. 

Find an Online Life Coach

What is seasonal anxiety and depression?

Seasonal anxiety is often a part of a seasonal depression disorder called seasonal affective disorder. This phenomenon is recognized as a legitimate diagnosis by medical professionals, something which often begins in Fall or Winter and is characterized by feeling down or more nervous or anxious than usual.

While rare, some individuals may also experience negative mood shifts each year during Spring and Summer.

According to research published by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, up to 10% of the population may struggle with this sad seasonal depression.

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (ironically abbreviated as SAD) may include:

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder

  • Low energy;
  • Sleeping too much or too little;
  • Gaining or losing weight;
  • Feeling down nearly every day;
  • No longer enjoying your favorite activities;
  • Constant exhaustion or weariness;
  • Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or even suicidal thoughts.

Also, it’s important to note that, while seasonal depression symptoms and signs of major depressive disorder are largely similar, these two are not the same! Major depressive disorder (which you may have heard called MDD, major depression, or just depression) occurs year-round.

Why does it happen?

The jury is still out when it comes to an exact cause of SAD, but we do know a few factors that make it more likely to experience some form of SAD during your lifetime.

For example, women are much more likely to experience SAD than men. Genetics may also play a factor, and people with preexisting mental health concerns such as depression or bipolar disorder have a higher chance of experiencing SAD. Finally, living further from the equator where days are shorter and the sunlight is scarcer can cause SAD to become more prevalent.

How to find a Life Coach so that you can conquer seasonal anxiety and depression.

If you suspect that you might be suffering from seasonal anxiety, depression, or mood shifts, fear not! Instead, take action to work with an Online Life Coach who can help you to identify triggers for your seasonal anxiety and depression as well as show you how to conquer these mental struggles. 

Online life coaching sessions offer the flexibility you won’t find when scheduling office visits with other healthcare professionals, but these online sessions are still led by Experts who are well-equipped to help you live healthily through the winter months and into a happier Spring. You can find a Life Coach on WikiExpert and get through it. 

Find an Online Life Coach now

 

Articles that helped others

Article illustration image
Ann Verster's profile image
Jun 16, 2022
Spiritual Life Coaching

What is a Spiritual Life Coach?

Life Coaching
Number of helpful indications
18
Article illustration image
Shanane  Fleming's profile image
May 13, 2020
Why You Need A Life Coach

Most people have no idea if they need a life coach or what a life coach is or does. Here I will explain what a life Coach is

Life Coaching
Number of helpful indications
10
Article illustration image
Chasity  Miller 's profile image
Mar 7, 2020
What is Life Coaching

Life Coaching is Mentoring with a Twist. We are not here to coach you with no results. We hold you Accountable !

Life Coaching
Number of helpful indications
4

WikiExpert - Effective Support That Helped Others

WikiExpert - Effective Support That Helped Others

Welcome to WikiExpert! Effective Solutions Trusted by Others

Have you recently checked the "Discuss with Experts"?

Together, for Support WE TRUST!

Already have an account? Log in