For most, the increase in temperature, bloom of flowers, budding trees, and sunshine bring an increase in happiness and energetic mood. However, the transition to spring can also bring an increased awareness of depression as you watch others become happy while you continue to feel sad. Feeling depressed while others are becoming happier can be very lonely. You may begin to ask yourself why you do not feel like others around you and question why the weather is not making you feel happier. Many times people are unaware of feeling depressed in the winter months and begin worrying about their current depressed mood only when spring approaches and a noticeable change in mood can be seen.
Why do my moods change with the seasons?
The term “seasonal affective disorder” is used in the counseling field to describe shifts in mood as seasons change. The disorder has a wide range of intensity and affects many people. Most commonly, moods can be affected by the amount of sunlight you get or the temperature outside. Common symptoms of “seasonal affective disorder” are difficulty falling asleep and waking up, increased feelings of depression, and increased tiredness. In extreme cases, daily functioning may be severely disrupted.
How do I know if my mood change is caused by the season?
Identifying the cause of a mood change can be difficult. Ask yourself if you remember feeling the same way in previous years or if this is the first time you have ever noticed a change in mood as the seasons change. Also, notice if anything out of the ordinary has happened in the past weeks that could be a factor of your mood change. Have you experienced significant loss in the past month? Have you noticed other changes that could contribute to your mood? Also, identify how long you have felt this way? If your feelings and symptoms have lasted longer than three months, then your mood is probably unaffected by the seasonal change.
What should I do if my mood is being affected?
If you are noticing severe changes in your mood and are unable to control your daily functioning due to your mood change, please contact an Indianapolis counselor that will help you identify the cause of your mood change and help you manage the shift in mood. If your symptoms are less severe, I encourage you to notice the pattern of your mood change. Begin by tracking how often you feel depressed throughout the week. When do you feel better? When do you feel worse? Also, notice what helps your mood. Try doing more of this activity (if appropriate) over the course of a few weeks and see how it affects your mood. If you are still struggling with your mood change, contact an Indianapolis counselor to help you through the shift. The goal of a counselor is to keep you safe and help maintain your daily functioning as you experience a shift of emotions. A counselor will help you identify causes of your mood change and will be able to help you manage the changes in your life due to a shift in your mood.
Kristie L. Watts Lotus Group 595-5555 www.lotusgroup.biz