Seasonal Depression

"Seasonal depression" is a term that is seen frequently on social media and is also used popularly in conversation among youths. Even though the term and the nuance behind the term are somewhat evident to the young population, they still remain largely unknown to a large part of the population of Nepal and are even seen in a negative light. In a country where mental illness and mental problems are viewed with significant skepticism and stigma to this day, a term such as "seasonal depression" is bound to face scrutiny. 

However, it is necessary to treat the concept with seriousness, as depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in Nepal, and seasonal depression is a subtype that falls under depression. While popularly known as "seasonal depression," DSM-5-TR describes it as "seasonal affective disorder" (SAD). It is generally understood to occur during the change of seasons, i.e., between summer and fall and between fall and winter. While it is not as prevalent, SAD can also occur during the change from winter to spring and spring to summer. 

The major symptoms are similar to those of depression and include feelings of low mood, lack of interest in any activity, lack of energy and fatigue, and low self-esteem that can extend to thoughts of suicide or death. All of these symptoms can be triggered due to the sudden change in an individual’s environment. The change from fall to winter also consists of the change in daylight hours.

The treatment methods for seasonal affective disorder range from therapy to a mix of biomedical approaches. Light counselling can help to limit the full range of effects that the disorder can have. Furthermore, antidepressants taken with the consultation of therapists, most commonly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), aid in the treatment of the disorder. Likewise, the effect of direct sunlight is also correlated with the lessening of the severity of symptoms of the disorder. 

Studies have shown that spending some time in direct sunlight during the periods of seasonal change helps a lot in lowering depressive moods. This can be better understood in the concept of “light therapy,” which is another therapy method, specifically cognitive behavioural therapy, used to treat seasonal affective disorder. In light therapy, the patient is subjected to specified wavelengths of natural or artificial light, which helps the body to regulate its circadian rhythm.

For individuals who are suffering from seasonal affective disorder, it is essential to reach out to a trained professional as soon as the symptoms begin affecting their day-to-day life. And for other individuals who surround the person, it is important for them to understand the nature of the problem so that, as individuals, they become capable of helping those who need them. 

Whether it is seasonal affective disorder or any other mental illness, it is necessary to treat every problem with the same seriousness that we view physical illnesses. The necessity for nationwide awareness is of the utmost importance at the present moment, precisely because the present generation of youth is facing changes at an unprecedented rate, which can make it difficult for them to adapt and can culminate in grave mental crises. 

Not only awareness but also government-level efforts must be made to enable access to free mental health services at all levels of the nation. Counselling services must be made free of cost so that individuals facing seasonal affective disorder or any other mental problems that require immediate help can get one.