Many people suffer from recurring periods of depression each year, typically during the winter months. People commonly refer to this condition as “seasonal depression,” and another name for the condition is seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) labels the condition as “Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern.”
This year, people who experience seasonal depression face the added difficulty of dealing with the mental health impacts of COVID-19. The current public health crisis has impacted almost every aspect of life since early 2020, and mental health is no exception.
Below, we discuss how the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic and seasonal depression combined can present major challenges to people’s mental health. We share ways to manage mental health conditions better, and we also discuss available behavioral health treatment programs.
The impact of COVID-19 on mental health
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a lot of uncertainty into people’s lives. Individuals, families, and businesses had to scramble to adhere to social distancing guidelines and other precautions at the start of the year. While it has been many months since the beginning of the pandemic and the rollout of effective vaccines is on the horizon, people are still facing the brunt of the pandemic’s harmful effects.
COVID-19 has been impacting people’s mental health in a few key ways. These pathways include:
- Producing economic stresses. Due to sudden changes in consumer behavior, many businesses had to shut down or carry out layoffs. As a result, many people either lost their jobs or received reduced hours. Additionally, other employees began to fear that they may lose their jobs, too. The economic consequences of COVID-19 have left many people unsure of where their next paycheck will come from, and this economic uncertainty has resulted in many people feeling significant stress and anxiety.
- Producing health-related fears. Another way that COVID-19 has negatively impacted people’s mental health is by producing an ongoing fear of getting sick. People are scared for their health and the health of loved ones, and this fear can be ever-present. Of course, people cannot see the virus, and asymptomatic spread makes the virus difficult to avoid. Constant fear and worry regarding exposure to the virus can be extremely taxing on one’s mental health.
- Producing feelings of loneliness. Due to social distancing measures, many people have experienced increased periods of isolation. People have had to cancel regular meetups with friends, family gatherings, and celebratory events to limit the spread of COVID-19. These realities have resulted in many people facing extreme feelings of loneliness, and limited social interaction can hurt people’s mental well-being.
- Producing traumatic experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many families forever by causing the death of a loved one. COVID-19 deaths occur after just a few weeks of illness, and they can happen to people who were otherwise healthy and vibrant before they caught the virus. COVID-19 deaths can cause significant trauma for the victim’s family and friends, and this trauma can have immediate and ongoing mental health impacts. Additionally, people can experience trauma from COVID-19 even without knowing someone who got infected personally. Seeing the constant news reports about increasing cases, deaths, and suffering is enough to impact a person’s mental health negatively.
People can experience just one or several of the above pandemic-related effects on mental health, and it is important to note that experiencing an impact on one’s mental health from COVID-19 is common. Some people even refer to the above effects as “COVID depression.”
The combined impacts of seasonal depression and COVID-19
People who suffer from seasonal depression experience daily sadness for several months. In addition to daily sadness, characteristics of seasonal depression include:
- A loss of interest in one’s favorite activities.
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns.
- Having low energy.
- Experiencing a lack of motivation.
- Self-isolation and decreased social interaction.
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt.
- Suicidal ideation.
The above characteristics and symptoms of seasonal depression can intensify due to pandemic-related lifestyle changes. Examples include:
- A person’s self-isolating behavior due to seasonal depression may occur for more prolonged periods during COVID-19 lockdowns.
- In work-from-home arrangements, people miss out on the motivational and collaborative environment of a lively office space. Home-based work arrangements are often unhelpful for people who experience a lack of motivation due to seasonal depression.
- Many people have had to change daily routines due to shifting home responsibilities, such as having kids home during school closures. These routine changes can contribute to unhealthy changes to sleep and eating patterns that may originate from seasonal depression.
The interplay between seasonal depression and COVID-19 related stresses can be complicated, and in many cases, it is impossible to know precisely how much each factor contributes to behavioral changes. Nonetheless, seasonal depression and stress from COVID-19 can have a compounding effect that can be harmful to one’s mental health.
How to combat seasonal depression and available treatments
People who experience seasonal depression have a range of treatment options. One of these options is to exercise self-care and practice several at-home strategies, including:
- Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.
- Eating nutritious foods and proper portions.
- Taking time to socialize with friends and family virtually.
- Reducing or stopping alcohol and tobacco consumption.
- Taking part in enjoyable activities and leisure.
While the above methods may help some people better manage their seasonal depression and COVID-19 related stress, some people need additional help. Fortunately, people can access a range of behavioral health treatment programs to help them with their mental health challenges.
At Desert Parkway Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, our clinical team offers several evidence-based treatment programs for seasonal depression and other mental health challenges. These programs include adult inpatient programs and outpatient treatment services. We also provide chemical dependency rehab programs for patients who suffer from seasonal depression and substance abuse simultaneously. For aging adults who suffer seasonal depression and need help adapting to lifestyle change, our specialized Transitions program for seniors may be helpful.
Getting started at Desert Parkway Behavioral Health Hospital
If you or a loved one suffers from seasonal depression or related symptoms, help is available. Our caring team has decades of experience helping people gain control of their mental health and improve their mental well-being. To get started with a treatment program at Desert Parkway Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, the first step is to contact us online or call us directly at (877) 663-7976. A member of our team can help answer any questions you may have and schedule a free mental health assessment. With a free mental health assessment, our clinical team can start building a custom treatment program for the patient’s unique needs.
