As daylight savings time approaches, the days get shorter and the sky gets grayer. It’s also time to be on the alert for signs of depression in ourselves and those we love. While many of us grumble about “falling back,” those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) definitely don’t welcome the change of seasons.
Anyone’s circadian rhythms can be thrown off by the time change. Research has shown that the rate of auto accidents goes up slightly in the days following the change to daylight savings time. For people with SAD the shift in daylight is even more difficult.
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that appears during the colder months of the year, and symptoms tend to be at their worst in January and February according to the American Psychiatric Association. Symptoms of SAD include fatigue, a lack of interest in usual activities, social withdrawal, weight gain and a craving for foods high in carbohydrates.
Some report feeling sad while others report not being able to feel anything or a lack of energy. It’s important be aware of the range of symptoms and to talk openly about depression – whether seasonal or not. For teens depression can manifest itself as sulking, shyness, reluctance to go to school, clinging to a parent or pretending to be physically ill. Because these behaviors are also standard components of growing up, many teen depression sufferers don’t get treatment.
When those with depression suffer in silence, they may turn to substances or negative behaviors to deal with their symptoms. Drug or alcohol abuse, gambling, dangerous sex or shopping addiction can compound the existing mental health issues. This type of self-medicating may be why approximately nine out of ten people who seek addiction treatment have an underlying mental health issue like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Depression and Addiction Help at La Paloma
If you or someone you love needs treatment for an addiction and co-occurring mental health disorder like depression, call La Paloma at the toll-free number on our homepage. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
