What Does Winter Depression look like?
The classic symptoms of winter depression are: • Mood problems such as sadness, boredom or feeling more irritable • Increased need for sleep • Fatigue and low energy • Increased appetite, with cravings for carbohydrates (such as bread, pasta, sweets), which may result in weight gain • A tendency to want to avoid social situations, as well as being more sensitive to rejection • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities With more severe symptoms, one may also note feelings or hopelessness or helplessness. In those cases, see a health professional (such as a family doctor). Symptoms come back every fall and winter months (when there is less sunlight). Sometimes it can be hard to figure out whether or not the mood problems are due to lack of sunlight or due to other factors (because school and related stresses also start in the fall).
