While the winter can be a time filled with joy and loved ones, for some it can be a difficult experience.
“There’s an uptick in depression this time of year,” said Sarah Clayton, a licensed professional counselor at New Town Counseling Center. “A lot of times people are grieving the loss of loved ones during the holidays and there’s a lot of pressure to feel happy, which can make you feel worse about not meeting that social standard.”
Clayton said Seasonal Affective Disorder can occur in patients who might already be experiencing depressive symptoms or in those who haven’t felt depressed before the winter months.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs during different seasons, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can begin and end usually around the same time of year and for most people — during the fall and winter months when the days are shorter.
During that time, people have less exposure to the sun, produce less Vitamin D, might overproduce melatonin or could have an irregular sleep schedule.
Symptoms of that depression are similar to other forms of depression where a person might have low energy, lose interest in activities and feel sluggish. To determine if the season is part of the cause of the depression, Clayton said she usually asks a patient when they started feeling that way.
“A lot of the time the symptoms of depression are prevalent already, but knowing how long it has persisted lets us know it could meet the criteria for a disorder,” she said.
In the past, Clayton said she has recommended people use more Christmas lights or lamps to provide light and warmth which might help with some of the symptoms. She added there are also light boxes that are becoming popular for purchase, which simulates exposure to sunlight.
Clayton also said Cognitive Behavior Therapy is a tool she often uses for patients experiencing depression.
“It’s really effective with seasonal depression because it identifies the thoughts behind the depression and helps the [person] to understand the behavior,” Clayton said.
While Seasonal Affective Disorder can be the root of depression, Clayton said she’s learned there are typically other causes behind it.
For the past four years, Clayton has been primarily working with young women: first as behavior counselor at a school and now as a counselor with New Town Counseling Center. In her time, she said she has noticed a lot more cases of depression but that it might be a good thing because it means people are more open about their mental health.
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“I think there are more factors that contribute to depression now,” she said. “Especially with the pressures of social media and middle and high school students being exposed to more of the world around them. So it’s good there’s a growing awareness.”
With young women handling depression, Clayton said she has noticed the friend group becomes a significant support system. But for some young people, supporting a friend with depression can be difficult.
That’s why Clayton always suggests reaching out to an adult or mental health professional.
When it comes to seasonal depression or year-round depression, Clayton said she hopes people continue to learn and talk about the symptoms so they’re easier to recognize.
“I think I would like to see more outreach into the community,” she said. “Especially towards parents so they can identify the signs of depression and give support at home.”
