What is Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal Depression…what is it and how to get help for seasonal depression:
There is always some form of disappointment when the pleasant weather of the spring and summer gives way to the dreary, cold temperatures of fall and winter. The problem is that some people are more seriously affected than others, and may even slide into a seasonal depression that is incredibly hard to break free from. What is often just brushed off as the “winter blues” can actually be something a whole lot more serious, as seasonal affective disorder can become crippling to the people who suffer from it once the longer periods of darkness come around.
For the most part, it is late fall or early winter when most cases of seasonal depression start to take hold. Since many people think that feeling a little down at this time of the year is natural, they may miss the signs that something is not right. What starts out as a couple of down days can quickly turn into a full bout of depression that affects you and everyone that you hold dear. Mood swings can quickly become commonplace, as can a serious lack of energy or the willingness to do anything constructive. As the symptoms snowball, your home and work life can take a serious knock.
Though not quite as common, there are some people who suffer from summer depression, which is usually highlighted by insomnia, irritability, and a loss of appetite. The symptoms of the summer depression may not be as severe as those seen by people in the fall and winter months, but it is still something that requires treatment if the symptoms persist. Depression is something that can spiral out of control if left untreated, and it should not be assumed that the symptoms will disappear once the seasons change once more.
There are no clear answers as to why seasonal depression affects a certain percentage of the population. The decrease in daylight hours is believed to have a negative effect on the internal clock of some people, which may result in feelings of depression. It is also believed that a drop in serotonin or melatonin levels in the body may also play a role, but a lot of this is purely speculation at this point. What is known is that seasonal depression is a very real issue, and it needs to be dealt with before things get out of hand.
Your doctor may be able to provide an assessment which may result in them prescribing anti-depressants to help you through this rough patch, and severe cases may even be treated with light therapy (light therapy is provided by going outside more, as well as specific mood lamps). It may also be a good idea to take time to talk to a professional therapist, as your depression may have nothing at all to do with the changing of the seasons, and may in fact be caused by something else entirely. If you are not feeling yourself, and are having a hard time getting motivated, you really should take the time to seek out help.