Life has its ups and downs, and our moods change accordingly.
But Philadelphia psychiatrist and Pennsylvania Medical Society member Ken Certa, MD, says that unchanging moods or exaggerated mood fluctuations may indicate a seasonal affective disorder, (SAD)—especially when there are major alterations in sleep, appetite, or the ability to experience pleasure.
“The amount of light exposure per day, especially at certain times of the day, can affect your mood. Certain people, especially those with personal or family history of depression or manic-depressive disorder, can feel these changes in a more extreme way, and can be nudged into a full blown episode of illness,” he says.
People with SAD tend to eat and sleep more, whereas those with standard major depression typically have decreased appetite and insomnia.
Though it’s more common in winter, seasonal depression can occur at any time in particular individuals, usually at the same time every year.
Depression is the most common reaction, but some people can develop the opposite symptoms, becoming full of energy to the point of recklessness. This is called mania, and it’s most common in the spring and fall.
Dr. Certa, also a member of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society, suggests that minimizing wide shifts in daylight exposure can be helpful.
“In winter, make sure you get some sun exposure, especially in the morning when it appears to be most effective. If this isn’t practical, light boxes can work, though they need to be brighter than routine household or work light,” he says.
See your doctor if depression or the less common mania begins to affect work or relationships, or if you have thoughts that life isn't worth living. Antidepressant medications are highly effective, with minimal side effects, and can generally be time-limited to just a few months for SAD.