Is Seasonal Depression a Thing in Florida?
Ahhhh yes, it’s that time of year again: we’re entering the season of time change, last minute
holiday shopping, pumpkin and peppermint flavored everything, and debating over whether
the best time to put up holiday decorations is before or after Thanksgiving. While this is the
most wonderful time of the year for many of us, there is one more seasonal-related entity that
affects many every year.
Seasonal Depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression
related to a change in the seasons. For example, people typically experience SAD during the fall
and winter with the changing season and temperatures. So, what does this mean for Florida
since the temperature change goes from sweating-all-the-time-hot to it-feels-good-to-be-
outside-in-winter-hot?
What Causes SAD in Florida?
Unfortunately, temperature change is not the only trigger for SAD. SAD can be triggered even
by the time change. How is this possible? Let’s break down what happens during Daylight
Savings Time. The clocks moving back one hour means we get less sunlight per day during the
fall and winter months. While it may seem like we are “winning” because we get one extra hour
of sleep on the night of the time change, we actually are disrupting a couple of key components
that keep SAD from being triggered:
Time Change Affects our Sleep Cycle.
Our sleep cycle, also known as our circadian rhythm, is our body’s internal clock.
It naturally can swing into rhythm based on the presence or absence of
light and darkness, hence, why we have night and day, to begin with. During Daylight Savings
Time, we lose an hour of sunlight which causes our bodies to produce more melatonin
naturally. Sometimes, too much melatonin or sleeping too much, can negatively affect our
mood leading to increased irritability and fatigue.
Time Change Affects Vitamin D Production.
Vitamin D is an essential component for the maintenance of physical and mental well-being.
For our mental health, Vitamin D kind of acts like a natural anti-depressant in the body.
So, if you’ve previously told someone you might be suffering from depression, likely you’ve also
been asked how often you’ve been outside due to the link between Vitamin D and mental health
as the easiest way to receive Vitamin D is through spending time in the sunlight.
How to Deal with Seasonal Depression even in Sunny Florida
OK, so we found out that even living or escaping to Florida in the winter months doesn’t
technically solve SAD. The good news is there are a few different things you can do to prevent
the negative effects of SAD and SAD being triggered during the holiday and Daylight Savings
Time season.
Increase Vitamin D Intake during Winter.
Due to the time change and less sunlight, our bodies won’t naturally produce as much
Vitamin D during this time. Options for increasing Vitamin D during the seasons are taking
Vitamin D supplements or increasing intake of Vitamin D and/or calcium-rich foods through
foods such as fatty fish and dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Monitor Those Holiday Foods.
I know, I know – it’s the season of candy, sugar cookies, pumpkin, and peppermint everything,
and all those feel-good holiday comfort foods like mashed potatoes and gravy and gooey
mac and cheese. Now, I’m not saying don’t have any of these during the holidays.
I’m wanting to advise a word of caution on limiting the amount and frequency of these foods.
Comfort foods, ironically by their name, provide us with short-term comfort and long-term
negative effects when used too often. These foods may taste delicious at the time
and provide us with some minimal relief through temporary happy feelings. However,
these foods are a combination of high in fat, sugar, salt, and carbs which can actually
make us feel even worse when we’re having it consistently.
Use a Light Therapy Lamp.
Therapy lamps can be all the benefits of sunshine without harmful UV rays. These lamps are
also a bonus because they can be used in the evening when it’s already dark outside to
trick your body into thinking you’re still getting some of that needed sunshine for circadian
rhythm regulation. Check out this article from Healthline to choose a therapy lamp if this is an
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!
When we exercise, the body releases serotonin and endorphins – these are two “happy chemicals”
that help combat depression naturally in our bodies. Another form of light therapy to consider
that involves exercise is Infrared Hot Yoga. The infrared lighting is very similar to sunlight or as
if you were working out in the sun. This form of yoga can be beneficial as it essentially is like a
two-for-one deal of using a therapy lamp and getting your heart rate going through a cardio-heavy flow.
SAD can sometimes make us feel even more alone.
And in Florida, it almost feels weird to admit we might be suffering from SAD when it’s still technically
hot outside. But remember that you are not alone and have options. Consult with a mental health
care provider and a psychiatrist or general practitioner if you feel SAD is becoming too much for you
to handle on your own.
Begin Working With A Depression Therapist in Miami, FL
You don’t have to struggle with the effects of the changing seasons. Our team of caring therapists would be happy to offer support in overcoming seasonal depression. To start your therapy journey with Miami Vibes Counseling Center, please follow these steps:
Schedule an appointment with one of our caring therapists.
Start learning new tips for overcoming SAD
Other Services Offered with Miami Vibes Counseling
We are happy to offer support with a variety of mental health concerns in addition to depression treatment. Miami Vibes Counseling Center offers support for children, adults, parents, couples, and families. This includes counseling for grief, life transitions, spirituality, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD. Some of the techniques we use include ACT therapy, CBT therapy, and TF-CBT. All of these services are available both in person and through online therapy.
