When the weather becomes cold and gloomy, lots of people start to experience depression-like symptoms.
In many cases, it's Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, and it can be quite hard to cope with.
Here are some signs that you might be experiencing it right now.
Feeling constantly sad, down, or irritable for most days during a particular season, especially when this happens at the same time each year.
Experiencing a significant decrease in energy levels, feeling tired, or finding it challenging to engage in regular activities.
Disturbances in sleep, such as oversleeping (hypersomnia) or difficulty sleeping and staying awake (insomnia).
Changes in appetite, often with a tendency to eat more carbohydrates, leading to weight gain.
There might be cravings for comfort foods like sweets and bread.
Avoiding social interactions, withdrawing from friends and family, and losing interest in activities that you usually enjoy.
Significant and unintentional changes in weight, either gaining or losing, without a specific effort to do so.
Experiencing challenges in focusing, concentrating on tasks, or making decisions.
A sense of hopelessness, feeling bleak about the future, or losing interest in planning for or anticipating future events.
Feeling more sensitive to rejection, criticism, or negative feedback, which may impact relationships and social interactions.
Experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, body aches, and feelings of heaviness or sluggishness.