How do the seasons affect our mental health?

It’s common to experience a change in our mood as the seasons change. The shift from long summer days to shorter, colder ones can profoundly impact our mental health.

For some, this seasonal shift can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This type of depression typically occurs during the autumn and winter months when the weather is colder and there’s a lack of sunshine.

But even for those without SAD, the change in seasons can still cause sadness, lethargy, and anxiety. In this blog, we’ll explore how the seasons affect our mental health and provide tips to help manage these symptoms.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that works in a seasonal pattern. It’s commonly referred to as “winter depression”, as the symptoms are more prevalent during the colder months.

Winter causes a drop in temperature and a reduction in sunlight hours. This can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm, which in turn interrupts the production of serotonin and melatonin. These hormones are responsible for regulating your body’s internal functions and mood.

This isn’t always the case though. Some people may experience SAD symptoms during the summer and feel better during the winter.

What are the symptoms of SAD?

SAD can cause a range of symptoms that significantly affect daily life. These include:

• A persistent low mood
• Loss of interest in everyday activities
• Irritability
• Feelings of despair, guilt, and worthlessness
• Lethargy and lack of energy
• Excessive sleepiness during the day
• Difficulty concentrating 

For some, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their ability to carry out daily tasks.

Individuals who experience SAD typically develop symptoms around the same time each year. Similarly, they tend to improve around the same time too. It is important to note that SAD is much more severe than simply feeling down during the winter. It can significantly impact mental health!

What causes SAD?

We can’t be certain of the exact cause of SAD. However, the reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days is a clear link.

The main theory is that a lack of sunlight might affect the proper functioning of the hypothalamus. This in turn may impact the production of melatonin and serotonin hormones. In people with SAD, the body may produce melatonin at higher levels than normal. Plus, a lack of sunlight may lead to lower serotonin levels, which is associated with feelings of depression.

Lower light levels during winter may also disrupt the body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm. This disruption could also result in symptoms of SAD. 

How to improve your mental health with the changing seasons

There are several things you can do to brighten your mood to feel more like yourself when SAD symptoms hit. These include:

Sticking to a routine

Sticking to your regular routine, even when faced with cold, dark mornings, can do wonders for your mental health. If you’re tempted to skip a gym session or have a lie-in, remember it could actually improve your mood.

Replicate sunlight

Did you know you can trick your body into thinking it’s being exposed to sunlight? SAD lamps simulate sunlight, which triggers the brain to release serotonin and regulates our body clock more effectively. This can reduce the symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder.

Increase Vitamin D levels

Increasing vitamin D can boost serotonin levels which in turn can stabilise our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. Since the skin produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, our levels can be low during the winter season. Taking vitamin D supplements can improve your mood.

Increase NAD levels

NAD+ IV infusion therapy can help to reduce many SAD symptoms, including chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep. With the help of NAD+, you can take back control of your mental health. Why not check out our range of infusion packages?

NADclinic memberships

It’s important to know that Seasonal Affective Disorder doesn’t only affect people in the winter months. Symptoms could occur at any point of the year. Preparing for the changing seasons is crucial in taking care of your mental health.

That’s where we can help. Our annual memberships provide direct access to full body scans, longevity tests, IV infusion therapies, discounts on supplements, and more. Let us help you feel your best all year round so that you can take control of your mental health and feel more like yourself.

If you’re interested in boosting your mood in preparation for the changing seasons, consider our membership plans. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us to speak to a member of our team.