Understanding seasonal depression as winter months approach

, Ala. —

As the days grow shorter and clocks prepare to fall back, millions of Americans face the challenges of seasonal depression, a condition that often goes unnoticed or is mistaken for holiday stress.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, seasonal depression can persist for four to five months each year, predominantly during winter due to reduced sunlight and decreased serotonin levels.

It is more prevalent in women than men.

Symptoms to watch for include social withdrawal, oversleeping, overeating, a persistent sad or empty mood lasting more than two weeks, and irritability.

"Make your counseling appointment. That's the best proactive response, right. So, it does not have to be a consistently weekly, biweekly, but it's a space where you have an expert that can ev