Depression is becoming one of the most common mental health issues in a growing number of individuals. There are currently 26 million adults and 10 million children in the United States alone who suffer from depression every year and it has been estimated that 1 in 5 people will be diagnosed with some form of depression this year. Here are some of the seasonal depressive symptoms.

1. Low mood

When someone is suffering from seasonal depression they may be experiencing low mood almost every day. Someone with seasonal depression will often report having less interest in things they normally enjoy. They may not be able to experience pleasure and enjoyment in the same way as someone who does not suffer from seasonal depression.

‘I just feel like my life’s not worth living.’ How many people can honestly say that, and mean it?

2. Change in appetite

This is another of the seasonal depressive symptoms that people commonly experience when they are depressed.

It is not uncommon for a person suffering from seasonal depression to experience a change in appetite and feel like they cannot control how much they eat. Some people may even experience a loss of appetite and not want to eat at all. When people are depressed it is common for them to want to withdraw from everyone and everything that surrounds them.

3. Change in sleep patterns

When someone with seasonal depression experiences these seasonal depressive symptoms their sleep patterns will usually be disturbed as well. You may find that when you have seasonal depression you start to sleep much later than usual and find it difficult to get off to sleep. It is common for people with seasonal depression to experience insomnia during this time and will often wake up very early the next day.

People who are going through difficult times may often cope differently than people who are not suffering from depression. Those of you who live with seasonal depression may have noticed that your symptoms often change when the seasons change. If this is the case then you should make an appointment to see your GP as they may be able to make a simple seasonal depressive symptom diagnosis and provide you with some helpful advice on how to deal with it.