Why do people feel sadder in autumn?

As summer comes to an end and the days get shorter and colder, many people notice changes in their mood. They report less energy, a lack of motivation, and a seemingly unexplained sadness. According to the University of Utah, this could be due to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that occurs cyclically, especially in the fall and winter.

Dr. Jason Hunziker, chief of the Division of Adult Psychiatry at University of Utah Health, said in a 2022 article that this type of depression It is related to the lack of sunlight and the hormonal changes that the body experiences due to the reduction in daylight hours. People with SAD tend to feel exhausted, less productive, and experience a sense of hopelessness that can last for months.

What is SAD and what does it feel like?

Symptoms of SAD can vary from person to person, explains the University of Utah in its article "How to Cope with Seasonal Depression," but the most common include Changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping, loss of interest in performing daily activities, low energy, and, in more severe cases, self-destructive thoughts.

Many people go undiagnosed, as their symptoms are not always severe or are mistaken for the usual end-of-year fatigue.

Who is most affected by this autumn sadness?

According to the University of Utah, it is estimated that more than 10 million people in the United States alone suffer from this disorder, and that Women suffer from it four times more than men.

SAD begins between the ages of 18 and 30, although it can also occur in younger people or older adults. Biological factors include excess melatonin, difficulty regulating serotonin, and a family history of depression or mood disorders.

Can autumn blues be treated?

Experts at the University of Utah recommend preparing six to eight weeks before the start of fall or winter. Resuming previous treatments, seeking psychological therapy, and maintaining healthy habits are the keys to coping with this stage.