Winter depression, formally known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is similar to other forms of depression except that it occurs at the same time each year. The symptoms typically begin in the fall and continue through the winter months. Other types of SAD do occur, but the Mayo Clinic explains that winter depression is the most common form. Suffering through winter depression every year can be avoided through treatment. There are many ways to treat SAD, including professional counseling, medication and light-therapy.
Depression Defined
The Department of Psychiatry at Yale describes depression as feeling down, sad, empty, moody, fatigued, lethargic and hopeless. These "blue" feelings can be serious if they prohibit an individual from carrying out normal tasks. Anxiety and irritability are common symptoms associated with SAD. Sufferers may isolate themselves from friends, loved ones and even public places. Crying for no apparent reason or experiencing frequent bouts of crying are also signs of depression.
Sleep Changes
Winter depression often causes individuals to oversleep or feel tired all the time. Other forms of SAD may cause insomnia. An individual with winter depression may seek sleep as a coping method or forgo all other activities in order to rest.
Loss of Interest
One significant sign of any type of depression is the lack of interest in activities that used to be important. Individuals with SAD may stop participating in hobbies or no longer find joy in doing the things they love. Winter depression can also reduce the sex drive. Along with a diminished interest in activities, an individual may struggle to concentrate or process information, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Weight Changes
Winter depression can lead to weight gain. Individuals with SAD may overeat "comfort" foods full of starch and carbohydrates. Feeling tired often leads people to consume sugary foods. Eating while depressed can also be a coping method.
Irritability
Sometimes described as "cabin fever", an individual may experience extreme annoyance over their current surroundings. This often occurs in areas of limited sunlight and wintry conditions that prevent people from going outside. Restlessness, pacing and even a hatred of living arrangements are possible with SAD.
Other Symptoms
SAD can bring about unusual personality changes in individuals. These changes are temporary in most cases. Examples include anger, guilt and sometimes rage. In some cases, individuals have the desire to harm themselves or others, but this is not a common symptom of seasonal depression.
Physical symptoms of depression can include headaches, vomiting, stomach pain and other feelings of illness, according to the Mayo Clinic.
