Changing Seasons and Moods

As our weather in Boise, Idaho begins to change some of us will also experience a change in our mood and energy. While there is a multitude of possible explanations for why our moods and energy fluctuate, Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD can help to explain why. SAD is a type of depression that emerges as seasons change. It is common for SAD to begin and end around the same time every year. A majority of people who experience SAD start experiencing symptoms in the fall and continue throughout winter. When experiencing SAD one may feel low energy and moodiness. As spring emerges symptoms of SAD subside and eventually resolve as the weather continues to get warmer. It is important to note that while SAD is most commonly experienced in the winter some may experience SAD in the spring or early summer resolving itself in the fall or winter.

When experiencing SAD whether that be in the spring or fall the following symptoms may appear and range from mild to severe as the season progresses.

• Feeling listless, sad, or down most of the day, nearly every day
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Having low energy and feeling sluggish
• Having problems with sleeping too much
• Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating, and weight gain
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
• Having thoughts of not wanting to live

• Oversleeping
• Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
• Weight gain
• Tiredness or low energy

• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Agitation or anxiety
• Increased irritability

As evidenced by the Mayo Clinic (2021),

“The specific cause of seasonal affective disorder remains unknown. Some factors that may come into play include:

• Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression.
• Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression.
• Melatonin levels. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the body’s level of melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.”

• Younger adults
• Women
• Family history of SAD
• Having Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder
• Your location in the world
• Low Vitamin D levels

According to experts, there is no way to prevent SAD currently. Steps have been identified that aid in managing the symptoms of SAD if started early on. In order to manage those symptoms early on it is important that one can estimate the time of year that their symptoms begin. By estimating the time frame one can deter significant changes in their mood, energy, and appetite. Additionally, seeking treatment before symptoms begin each year can be beneficial. Treatment can help prevent symptoms from resurfacing as well as give one coping skills to use as needed.

Information for SAD was provided from the Mayo Clinic. If you would like more information please visit https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651

Work Cited

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, December 14). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 26, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651