Why Do I Feel Depressed in the Winter?

When the days get shorter and the evenings get dark early, many people notice a change in their mood. You may feel more tired, less interested in things you usually enjoy, or just a little down. For some people, these feelings are mild. For others, they are strong enough to affect daily life. This pattern is sometimes called seasonal affective disorder, or seasonal depression.

Why the seasons affect mood

Less sunlight in fall and winter can affect the body's internal clock, which helps control sleep and energy. Changes in daylight can also affect brain chemicals that play a role in mood. Even in a sunny place like the Antelope Valley, winter days are shorter, and many people spend more time indoors.

The holidays can add stress, money worries and loneliness, especially for people who are far from family or who have lost a loved one.

Common signs

Seasonal depression often starts in late fall and improves in spring. Signs can include:

• Feeling sad, down or hopeless most of the day
• Low energy and feeling tired even after sleep
• Sleeping much more than usual
• Craving carbohydrates and gaining weight
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Trouble concentrating
• Pulling away from friends and family

If these feelings last for two weeks or more, or make it hard to work, care for your family or enjoy life, talk with your doctor.

Feeling down in winter is common. It is also treatable. You do not have to wait for spring to feel better.

Things that may help

Simple steps can make a difference for many people. Get outside in the morning light when you can, even for a short walk. Open blinds and sit near windows. Stay active, since regular movement can lift mood. Keep a steady sleep schedule. Stay connected with people you care about, even with a short phone call. Limit alcohol, which can make mood worse.

Your doctor may suggest other options, such as light therapy, talk therapy or medicine. If you are already taking a medicine for mood, keep taking it as prescribed and talk with your doctor before making changes.

Some medicines can affect mood or sleep as a side effect. If you started a new medicine and noticed a change in how you feel, tell us or your doctor. Do not stop the medicine on your own. Before trying an herbal product for mood, ask us first. Some herbal products interact with prescription medicines.

Reach out

If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, with support in Spanish. In an emergency, call 911.

Our team is always here to listen, in English or Spanish, and to help you find the right next step.

Call us at 661.941.4402 or request a free, private medication review.

This article is general education, not medical advice.