Seasonal mood changes

I love fall. The colors of leaves, the smells, cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice. But not everyone welcomes the changing seasons. Some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder and others may dread the holidays.

Seasonal affective disorder is a depression that usually begins in the late fall or early winter. It seems to be triggered by a loss of sunlight.

In the Pacific Northwest, we experience a lack of sun in the fall and winter due to cloudy, rainy skies and a day length of eight and a half hours in December.

The decrease in sunlight changes a body's circadian rhythm, decreases serotonin levels, increases melatonin and may lead to a vitamin D deficiency. All of these can trigger depression symptoms.

Holiday depression occurs during the holidays of November and December. Stress and anxiety during the holidays may cause people to experience loneliness and a lack of fulfillment. Holidays bring about social isolation in those who have a small circle of friends and/or family. The loss of a loved one is often more keenly felt during the holiday season.

If the changing seasons and holidays fill you with depression, there are things that can help.

For seasonal depression, the treatments of choice are light therapy, antidepressants and/or talk therapy.

For holiday depression, there are several options such as beginning a new tradition for the holidays, volunteering, or taking a nature walk.

The main thing is don't isolate yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Research has shown that warmth improves mood, so go ahead and treat yourself to that pumpkin spice latte!