Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Depression During Winter Holidays
- Dec 5
- 4 min read
Let's look at understanding depression during winter holidays. The winter holidays often bring joy and celebration, but for many people, this time of year can also trigger feelings of sadness and low energy. Seasonal depression, sometimes called winter depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), affects millions and can make the holidays feel overwhelming instead of festive. I want to share what seasonal depression looks like, what causes it, and how you or your loved ones can find support during these challenging months.
What Does Depression Feel Like During Winter?
Depression during the winter months often feels different from general sadness. It can include a persistent low mood, but also physical symptoms and changes in behavior. People with seasonal depression may notice:
Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep
Losing interest in activities they usually enjoy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Changes in appetite, often craving carbohydrates or sweets
Sleeping more than usual but still feeling exhausted
Feeling hopeless or irritable
Social withdrawal and avoiding family or friends
These signs of depression can be subtle at first but tend to worsen as the days get shorter and colder. It’s important to recognize these symptoms early to prevent them from taking over your daily life.
What Causes Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal depression is linked to changes in sunlight exposure during fall and winter. Reduced daylight can disrupt your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which affects mood and sleep patterns. Other factors include:
Lower serotonin levels, a brain chemical that influences mood
Changes in melatonin production, which regulates sleep
Genetic predisposition or family history of depression
Stress from holiday expectations or financial pressures
Understanding these causes helps us see that seasonal depression is not just feeling sad or lazy—it is a real condition with biological and environmental roots.
How Long Does Seasonal Depression Last?
Seasonal depression usually begins in late fall or early winter and improves by spring or early summer. For most people, symptoms last about 4 to 5 months. However, the duration can vary depending on individual factors and whether treatment or coping strategies are used.
If symptoms persist beyond the winter months or worsen, it’s important to seek professional help, as this may indicate a more serious form of depression.
Are There Physical Aches and Pains Associated with Depression?
Yes, depression often comes with physical symptoms. People with seasonal depression may experience:
Muscle aches and joint pain
Headaches or migraines
Stomach problems like nausea or constipation
General fatigue and low energy
These physical symptoms can make it harder to stay active, which in turn can worsen mood. Recognizing that these aches are part of depression can help you approach treatment more holistically.
How Can Singing and Voice Lessons Help with Depression?
Engaging in creative activities like singing can be a powerful tool to improve mental health awareness and combat depression. Singing lessons offer several benefits:
Boost mood: Singing releases endorphins and oxytocin, which help reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness.
Improve breathing and relaxation: Proper vocal techniques encourage deep breathing, which calms the nervous system.
Build confidence: Learning new skills and performing can improve self-esteem and reduce feelings of isolation.
Provide social connection: Group singing or private lessons create opportunities to connect with others, reducing loneliness.
For example, a person struggling with seasonal depression might find that regular voice lessons give them a sense of purpose and joy during the darker months. Even singing alone at home can lift spirits and provide emotional release.
If you're interested in trying voice lessons or coaching to see if it alleviates your depression symptoms, or if you know someone else it may help, you're in the right spot! At VocalzMusic we offer online lessons and classes via Zoom to aspiring singers and public speakers. Additionally we've recently made voice coaching available to teen and adult customers on Facebook and Instagram messenger for as low as $15 per month. These are not pre-recorded lessons. You'll join your voice coach live for weekly voice coaching, training or critique in a comfortable, friendly, fun, non-judgmental setting. Learn more at SingingFlat.com or try out one of the options below:
How to Know if a Loved One May Be Feeling Depressed
It can be hard to recognize depression in someone you care about, especially if they try to hide their feelings. Look for these signs:
Withdrawal from social activities or family gatherings
Noticeable changes in sleep or eating habits
Expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Increased irritability or mood swings
Complaints about unexplained aches or fatigue
Loss of interest in hobbies or work
If you observe these signs, gently ask how they are feeling and offer your support. Sometimes just knowing someone cares can make a big difference.
When Is It Time to Get Help for Depression?
If seasonal depression symptoms interfere with daily life, relationships, or work, it’s time to seek professional help. Warning signs include:
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Inability to perform basic tasks
Severe withdrawal from loved ones
Persistent sadness lasting more than two weeks
Mental health professionals can provide therapy, medication, or light therapy to help manage symptoms. Early intervention improves outcomes and prevents worsening depression.
National Hotlines for Immediate Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and needs immediate help, these national hotlines offer confidential support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (available 24/7)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
These resources connect callers with trained counselors who can provide guidance and connect them to local services.
I hope the information provided here was helpful for you. May you have joy, peace and happiness this season.
Yours in music!