Seasonal depression peaks in February

"While "Blue Monday" briefly puts low mood in the spotlight each January, clinicians warn that February is when seasonal depression often hits hardest. That's when daylight deprivation accumulates and motivation dips further. New research suggests the burden is felt unevenly, particularly among women. A recent study highlighted that nearly 45% of women experience symptoms consistent with SAD as opposed to only 28% of men. While women are more frequently affected and report more severe symptoms, the research also makes clear that men are suffering too - it is just much less diagnosed, or more often missed."

"The latest research shows seasonal mood changes are strongly linked to how reduced daylight affects circadian timing and neurotransmitter regulation in the brain. These biological shifts can occur even without clinical depression, which is why early, preventative support is often more effective than waiting for symptoms to escalate. Higher vulnerability in women is found to be linked to a combination of biological sensitivity to light changes, hormonal, and circadian rhythm factors."

Seasonal depression often peaks in February when accumulated daylight loss and reduced motivation worsen symptoms. Nearly 45% of women report symptoms consistent with seasonal affective disorder, compared with 28% of men. Seasonal mood changes are strongly linked to reduced daylight affecting circadian timing and neurotransmitter regulation in the brain. These biological shifts can occur without clinical depression, so early preventative support is often more effective than waiting for symptoms to escalate. Higher vulnerability in women reflects greater biological sensitivity to light changes, hormonal and circadian factors, and intensified winter social stressors such as caregiving. Men frequently show irritability, withdrawal, and increased substance use, and are less likely to seek help. Certain practices can reduce suffering for both.

Read at Alternative Medicine Magazine