Seasonal Depression and Grief: Understanding the Overlap and Finding Coping Strategies

/

Seasonal depression and grief can go hand-in-hand.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during certain seasons of the year—specifically fall and winter months, when it's colder and darker outside.

a sad woman looking out a window

Grief is the body's natural response to experiencing a type of loss, most commonly associated with the loss of a loved one. Unlike seasonal depression, grief can happen at any point throughout a calendar year.

While seasonal depression and grief are two completely different conditions, they do share some similarities. When a person is struggling with both seasonal depression and grief, it can lead to worsening signs and symptoms and a cycle that is even more challenging to break free from.

If you or a loved one is struggling, this is how to understand the overlap and find coping strategies when battling seasonal depression and grief.

The Shared Signs and Symptoms

The emotional, physical, and social signs and symptoms of seasonal depression and grief have many similarities.

Emotional

  • Anger

  • Crying

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Emotional pain and/or outbursts

  • Emptiness

  • Hopelessness

  • Sadness

  • Worthlessness

Physical Signs

  • Aches and pains

  • Changes in eating habits

  • Changes in sleeping habits

  • Low energy levels

Social Signs

  • Isolating

  • Unable to function normally

  • Withdrawing

The Cause

Not everyone who experiences grief will experience depression. Likewise, not everyone who experiences depression will be grieving. That being said, grief can gradually turn into a state of depression, especially if left untreated.

Prolonged Grief

Prolonged grief disorder is a mental health condition that involves a state of intense and persistent grief that makes it difficult for a person to make it through their daily life and routine. While the signs and symptoms of this form of grief can be comparable to those of normal grief, they tend to be more intense and will continue for at least six months or more.

The Time of the Year

The signs and symptoms of seasonal depression tend to increase in individuals in the fall or winter months when there is less sunlight. This typically means the fall and winter months. Unfortunately, these months also involve getting together with loved ones for holidays.

For individuals who just experienced the loss of a loved one, this time of year can be increasingly difficult for them. If a person is already struggling with seasonal depression or grief, the holiday season can make matters worse.

How to Cope

Grief and depression have a lot of commonalities. It's even believed that a person's grief could become so intense that the outcome is more closely in line with depression. Below are some coping mechanisms that can be implemented no matter if you're struggling with seasonal depression, grief, or a combination of the two.

Take Care of Yourself

It's extremely important to take care of yourself, especially when feeling down or stressed. Since seasonal depression and grief can get in the way of your eating and sleeping habits, it's important to ensure that you're fueling your body and brain to function properly. This means eating healthy and well-balanced meals and aiming for at least eight hours of sleep each night.

Maintain Social Connections

Isolation and withdrawal are common occurrences with both seasonal depression and grief. While this may be easier said than done, try to lean on your loved ones during this time. They're there for you no matter what. Let them know what you need from them so that they can show up in the best way to support you. This could mean helping you run errands, being a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to be there to listen to you.

Seek Additional Support

Even though you may feel extremely alone right now, it's important to know that you're not. No matter if you're dealing with seasonal depression, grief, or a mixture of the two, I'm here for you. Reach out today to learn more about how therapy can help you move forward in your life again.