Have you experienced any feelings of sadness or depression around the same year?  Symptoms may included: having low energy, little to no pleasure in usually joyous activities, changes in appetite or weight, low self esteem, sleeping problems, and/or difficulty concentrating. According to the National Institution of Mental Health, one type of depression that could qualify for is Seasonal Depression.

There are multiple types of Seasonal Depression (aka Seasonal Affective Disorder or abbreviated to SAD) including Winter-Pattern Seasonal Depression/Winter-onset and Summer-Pattern Seasonal Depression. The names explain the time period of depression.  The symptoms of both vary but are similar to those mentioned above; however, certain symptoms could change depending on which kind of Seasonal Depression.

According to Mayo Clinic, Winter-Pattern Seasonal Depression is the most common type of the disorder. It ranges from the winter time and sometimes begins as early as the fall. A few signs of the disorder are oversleeping, gain in appetite and weight, and having no energy/feeling tired all of the time.

Summer-Pattern Seasonal Depression actually has the opposite variation of the symptoms listed above, including insomnia, (inability to sleep) lack of appetite and weight loss, and agitation or anxiety. It resides in the summer time and sometimes covers the late spring.

The disorder is self diagnosable, so it isn’t difficult to classify oneself with Seasonal Depression, but nevertheless it’s still good to see a doctor if you feel something is wrong.

Tune in next time for the next episode of The Pilgrimage Into the Mind!