Autumn depression and how to deal with it Autumn depression is an increase in feelings of depression that some people begin to feel during the fall months. Some may think that the reasons for feeling this type of depression, which is known as seasonal depression, may be a state of tension looming on the horizon regarding that season, or possible regret for not achieving the desired goals during the past period. Making changes in diet, daily activities, and increasing exposure to daylight are all effective ways to reduce the effects of fall depression. What is autumn depression? Autumn depression is the tendency for some people to experience anxiety and mood disturbances during the fall months, unlike other feelings of depression, which often have no clear external trigger, or specific time when they occur. How do I know that I suffer from depression autumn? Many people don’t realize how depressed it can be in the fall, and may not even realize it because they think it’s normal because of life situations or something else. However, if its recurrence is observed every year in the same period, then the matter will become clear, and one can take steps to prevent it. What are the symptoms of autumn depression? Signs and symptoms of seasonal disorder include: Feeling sad or frustrated most of the day or nearly every day ● Losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed ● Decreased energy and a feeling of lethargy Having trouble sleeping for long periods of time Suffering from cravings for carbohydrates, overeating and weight gain ● Difficulty concentrating Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt Having thoughts of not wanting to live
One of the environmental causes of depression is low sunlight, which leads to low levels of serotonin. This hormone has an important role in influencing mood, appetite and the nature of sleep, and there is also an increase in the hormone melatonin, which tends to make a person feel sleepy and depressed. Some physical disorders also occur due to changing weather, such as vitamin D deficiency as a result of exposure to less sunlight. And it doesn’t end here but includes some other factors such as behavioral changes, because as the weather deteriorates, we spend less time outdoors and more time in isolation.
How can you overcome autumn depression?
1. Get more light Start by spending more time outdoors to make the most of the available sunlight. You can do this by getting up early to enjoy the morning sun.
2. Do exercise on a daily basis Autumn is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, so make the most of it by hiking, biking, or signing up for the gym.
3. Start something new Autumn is the time of new beginnings, and a new season, so it is a period in which one can fold what may be bothering him and start enjoying and trying different activities and discovering his hobbies.
4. Rethink it again Instead of associating autumn with negative experiences, you can try to look at it differently by reframing feelings and events. For example, humans focus so much on loss, and the general atmosphere of autumn may remind them of losing sunlight and different colors of summer, making them feel negative feelings again, so try to think about what you can do in the fall and about being indoors. Instead of thinking it’s cold and you’re still stuck inside, you can try to think of being warm inside, doing whatever makes you feel good, like watching a movie with a hot drink. There are other ways such as changing the environment of your home using different pieces of decor that can make you feel happy and feel good about yourself.
5. Ask for advice This is because Seasonal Affective Disorder is primarily about depression and therefore, it tends to start in the fall due to anticipated anxiety and because the days get shorter and sunlight is very weak. So if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and unable to get over it on your own, it is best to see a doctor and consult him and not wait for things to get worse. If you start to feel anxious and depressed, you should take immediate measures to improve your mood, the most important of which is to consult a psychiatrist who will help you get through this stage.
