Spring in Indiana is in full swing. Flowers are just beginning to bloom and now the temperatures are just beginning to reach 70 and 80 degrees. For most people, this warm weather and bubbly atmosphere outside brings them out of the winter blues. However, this week I saw this article in an online publication from South University located in Savannah, Georgia. The article titled, “Spring Can Bring Showers of Depression,” talked briefly about those who are suffering from seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). According to the article, the longer days and warmer weather in the spring can actually send those who are dealing with seasonal depression into a tailspin. Darice Britt, a writer for the South Source, stated this in her piece:
“In general, as the seasons change, so do our behavior, energy levels, desire to socialize, and sometimes sleeping patterns. And often, the term seasonal affective disorder is inaccurately used to describe the normal winter blahs and lower energy levels most people feel in the fall and winter.”
Those who are diagnosed patients suffering from depression or seasonal affective disorder don’t just have the winter blues. Instead, their depression could worsen and may find themselves having trouble coping on their own. Common symptoms of winter depression, according to the Mayo Clinic include: loss of energy, oversleeping, and weight gain – as a result of food cravings. Dr. Kathryn Klock-Powell, clinical coordinator at the South University counseling department, advises those who have seasonal slumps lasting for long periods of time to seek professional therapy.
To learn more and read the full text of the South Source Article, visit: http://source.southuniversity.edu/spring-can-bring-showers-of-depression-35284.aspx
Written by: Nathan DeYoung
This story originally appeared in Facing Depression in Muncie, a publication of The Facing Project that was organized by the Ingelhart Scholars at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.