Seasonal depression is also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a form of clinical depression. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered our daily work routine. Many mental health experts also share that it has also aggravated cases of seasonal depression, read on to find out more.

Why SAD sufferers need the sun

In the absence of  sunlight especially during the monsoon and winter season, people suffering from seasonal depression experience a dip in energy levels. Psychiatrist Parul Tank goes on to share that as melancholy  sets in, many are left feeling low and listless. As in the case of 30-year-old Shivam Rathod (name changed) a stock broker by profession. Shivam says, “He has been battling seasonal depression for a while now. Somehow the absence of the sun seems to take a toll on my mood and overall energy levels.”

Symptoms of Seasonal depression

Parul goes on to explain that by definition  seasonal depression occurs seasonally. Symptoms include a loss of energy, and appetite, irritability, difficulty in concentrating on things and a tendency to oversleep.

Depression DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) details the following criterion to make a diagnosis of depression. An individual must experience five or more of these symptoms during the same two-week period to make a diagnosis of depression.

Feeling depressed through the day

A SAD sufferer would be depressed most of the day or nearly every day.

Significant loss in weight

The individual is not on a weight loss plan, but yet ends up losing a lot of weight. He or she also experiences an increase or decrease in appetite frequently.

Dip in energy levels

The individual experiences fatigue and loss of energy every other day.

Feeling restless

There’s a pause or dip in regular activities as the individual is restless and cannot explain the change and lack of pace and interest in any activity.

Lack of focus

He or she  is unable to concentrate or focus on day-to-day living. Even his or her decision making process is impacted.

Feeling worthless or excessive or inappropriate guilt

Does not give himself / herself much credit and feels excessive amounts of guilt.

Suicidal thoughts

The individual frequently thinks of death and ending his or her life. He or she may not have any specific plans to go about it but the recurrent thoughts of death haunt him or her.

Loss of sleep

He or she finds it difficult to get a good night’s sleep and sometimes also battles insomnia.

Treatment and cure

Depending on the patient’s symptoms a mental health expert would use a mix of therapy, and medication to help sufferers of seasonal depression. Antidepressants may also be prescribed by the mental health professional, who generally recommend patients continue with the medication for six months or for years, depending on a case to case basis.