Between the late fall and continuing into early spring each year, millions of Americans suffer from the effects of seasonal depression. Seasonal depression can be a debilitating mental health condition with far-reaching effects on an individual's personal and professional lives. However, people who suffer from seasonal depression can improve their mental health with the right actions and treatment programs.
In addition to facing seasonal depression this year, many Americans face intense stress from the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has added a lot of uncertainty to people's lives, and the pandemic has led to many people feeling extremely vulnerable. This feeling of vulnerability extends to a person's physical health, mental health, and financial well-being.
In the article below, we cover common symptoms of seasonal depression and the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on mental well-being. We then discuss how the effects of seasonal depression and COVID-19 can build on each other and produce a combined impact on one's mental health. Next, we discuss actions people can take to manage symptoms of seasonal depression and stress from COVID-19. Lastly, we cover ways that people can access behavioral health treatment programs under the guidance of mental health professionals.
Common symptoms of seasonal depression
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders considers seasonal depression to be a form of major depressive disorder. The manual officially labels seasonal depression as "Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern." Other common names for seasonal depression include seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and holiday depression.
As a form of major depressive disorder, the main symptom of seasonal depression is ongoing periods of sadness. With seasonal depression, depressive periods typically only occur during the winter months. However, some patients exhibit seasonal depression during the summer months. Additional symptoms of seasonal depression include:
- A lack of energy and motivation.
- A loss of enjoyment in hobbies and activities.
- Self-isolating behavior and an aversion to social interaction.
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.
- Changes in sleep and eating patterns.
- Weight gain or weight loss.
- Increased irritability.
- Feelings of guilt.
- Suicidal ideation.
Some people may show multiple of the above symptoms, and other people may exhibit only one. The impact of seasonal depression on people's mental health can vary, and no two cases of seasonal depression are the same. Also, it is essential to note that the above symptoms may be difficult for a person to notice among friends or loved ones, and it is important to be aware and mindful of the mental health of those around you.
The impact of COVID-19 on mental health
The COVID-19 pandemic quickly altered almost everyone's lives in early 2020. Since the onset of the virus, there have been millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths in the US. While the news of effective vaccines on the horizon is a positive development, it appears that the pandemic will still be with us for several more months.
In addition to the impact of physical sickness, COVID-19 has also significantly impacted people's mental health. Ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people's mental health include:
- Causing fear about one's physical health and the health of loved ones.
- Causing anxiety about losing one's job and paying bills.
- Causing one to abuse substances to deal with stress.
- Causing difficulty concentrating.
- Causing feelings of loneliness due to social distancing and lockdowns.
The mental health effects from the COVID-19 pandemic can be particularly damaging due to the pandemic's prolonged-time period. Some people refer to COVID-19's impact on mental health as "COVID depression." Many people have been experiencing these adverse effects on their mental health since early spring, and these constant challenges are difficult to face on an ongoing basis.
The impact of seasonal depression and COVID-19 together on mental health
The effects of seasonal depression and COVID-19 can have a combined impact on individuals. Instead of the effects of each phenomenon occurring separately, they can intertwine and reinforce each other.
For example, an individual who exhibits self-isolating behavior may have this behavior reinforced by COVID-19 related lockdowns. Likewise, individuals who engage in substance abuse to cope with seasonal depression may engage in further substance abuse to cope with COVID-19 related stressors. Similarly, a person who experiences a loss of motivation and low energy during seasonal depression may have these feelings reinforced during a period of unemployment after COVID-19 layoffs.
Another impact of seasonal depression and COVID-19 is that some people need to seek help from mental health professionals. Without the stresses of COVID-19, some people were able to manage symptoms of seasonal depression alone. However, the added stress and uncertainty from the pandemic may be overwhelming this year.
How to combat seasonal depression at-home and with professionals
To combat seasonal depression and stress from COVID-19, one can take several actions to focus on self-care. These actions help people prioritize themselves and respect their limits so that they do not find themselves in stressful situations. Ways to practice self-care and improve one's mental health condition include:
- Taking care of your body by eating healthy.
- Exercising at least 30 minutes per day.
- Socializing with people you trust, even if it is only virtually this winter.
- Taking time to enjoy one's hobbies.
- Limiting alcohol and tobacco intake.
- Prioritizing and enjoying leisure time.
In addition to the above at-home strategies for combatting seasonal depression and stress from COVID-19, people can also access treatment from behavioral health professionals. At Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, our team offers a range of treatment programs tailored for the unique mental health challenges that patients experience this winter.
Our behavioral health treatment programs include both adult inpatient treatment and outpatient services. During treatment, patients learn the sources of their depression and stress and how to change their behavioral responses to those experiences. For patients who experience seasonal depression and advanced substance abuse issues, we offer comprehensive treatments for substance-related disorders. Each care program adheres to trauma-informed care best practices, and our team is dedicated to providing a caring and supportive environment.
How to access treatment at Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
If you or a loved one needs additional help managing mental health this season, it is best to get a behavioral health professional's opinion as soon as possible. Unmanageable seasonal depression and stress typically only gets worse over time without treatment. To get started with a treatment program at our behavioral health hospital, reach out to us online or call us at (775) 393-2201. We can help answer your questions about our facilities and treatment programs. Additionally, we can help schedule your or a loved one for a free mental health assessment. With the results of a free mental health assessment, our team can better understand each patient's unique needs and recommend personalized treatment programs.