With all of this beautiful weather we have been having this week, it is only right that I dedicate this passion blog to the topic of seasonal depression. Seasonal depression can be defined as “A mood disorder characterized by depression that occurs at the same time every year. Seasonal affective disorder occurs in climates where there is less sunlight at certain times of the year.” 

One reason that this occurs is because people are happier with social connection to others. In the winter you are more likely to be bundled up protecting yourself from the cold, therefore you are less likely to be observing your surroundings. This often results in passing people that you know without seeing or recognizing them. The colder weather also decreases the motivation to stop and have a conversation with someone in passing even if you do actually see them because you are focused on getting to your destination and getting out of the cold weather. 

With that being said, many people are less likely to walk to classes or wherever they need to go in the first place, decreasing their chances of running into people along the way. Personally, as soon as it started snowing I stopped walking to and from all of my classes and meetings and started taking the bus instead. This not only decreased my chances of socialization with running into people but it also eliminated my primary source of exercise on a daily basis. Since then, I have definitely been able to feel a difference in how I feel in my body which impacts insecurity and adds to the feeling of seasonal depression. 

Another reason someone may be experiencing seasonal depression is that the opportunities for activities decrease when the temperature drops which again means less social contact. For example, I am currently writing this passion blog while sitting outside in the middle of East residency with a group of my friends. Around us there are groups of people playing spike ball, volleyball, basketball, skateboarding, and others that like us are simply sitting around enjoying the sun and the nice weather. Another common thing to do during the warmer seasons is go on a walk. One of the main ways that I kept in touch with my friends when I was home was to ask if they wanted to go on a walk with me. I also spend a lot more time on walks with my dogs when the weather is nice. 

Finally, most people, specifically girls, will say that they feel more insecure in the winter when their skin is pale. This leads to insecurities and the desire to fake tan. Many will go as far as to turn down plans with others if they are unable to fake tan beforehand because their insecurities are so strong when they are pale. This once again brings us back to the issue of less socialization during the colder months. The reasoning behind this, is that being tan conceals imperfections such as acne and cellulite. 

In my next post I will discuss ways to work around seasonal depression and prevent it from getting too out of hand. 

 

Source for definition: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651