Do you feel more tired and unmotivated as the days get shorter? You’re not alone. Many people experience seasonal depression in Springfield, MO as daylight decreases and our routines shift. Here’s why it happens — and five ways to start feeling better before winter sets in.
Why Shorter Days Affects Mood
As daylight fades earlier, your brain and body react to the loss of sunlight in ways that can affect both energy and emotion.
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Less sunlight means less serotonin, the chemical that helps regulate mood.The Mayo Clinic notes that reduced sunlight in fall and winter can cause biochemical changes that lead to low mood and fatigue.
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Melatonin increases, which makes you feel more tired.
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Your circadian rhythm gets disrupted, confusing your sleep and energy cycles.
This combination can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a form of depression triggered by seasonal changes. Even if symptoms are mild, many people notice they feel slower, foggier, or less motivated during the fall and winter months.
Common Signs of Seasonal Depression
If you notice a pattern of feeling low this time of year, you may be experiencing seasonal depression. Common symptoms include:
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Fatigue or low energy, even with enough sleep
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Sleeping more than usual
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Craving carbs and sugary foods
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Feeling sad, anxious, or hopeless
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Withdrawing from social activities
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Trouble focusing or staying motivated
If several of these sound familiar, you’re far from alone. Seasonal depression in Springfield, MO is something many residents experience each year as daylight saving time ends and the days grow shorter.
5 Ways to Cope with Seasonal Depression
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Get outside early. Even a few minutes of morning sunlight helps regulate your body’s internal clock and boosts serotonin.
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Try light therapy. Light boxes mimic natural sunlight and can help restore balance in your sleep and mood cycles. This is the therapy light that Dr. Cline has in his home and office.
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Keep moving. Exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress, and helps combat low energy.
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Stick to a steady routine. Go to bed and wake up at consistent times, even on weekends.
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Talk to a therapist. Professional support can help you recognize seasonal patterns and develop personalized coping strategies that work for you.
When to Reach Out for Help
If you’ve noticed that shorter days bring lasting fatigue, sadness, or loss of motivation, it may be time to seek support.
At Psych Associates in Springfield, MO, our therapists help clients understand how seasonal changes affect mood and create personalized plans to restore energy, focus, and balance.
You don’t have to wait until spring to feel like yourself again.
Schedule an appointment today — and start feeling better this season.