The change of seasons can prove to be especially difficult for teens struggling with addiction. Seasonal depression, referred to as season affective disorder (SAD), brings about symptoms that can trigger relapse for teens with substance use disorders. As we explore the connection between seasonal depression and addiction, we’ll take a look at how teens are impacted and what they can do to better cope with this illness.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that develops when there is a change in season.[1] Typically, seasonal affective disorder occurs in the fall and lasts throughout winter.
While there is no apparent cause of SAD, it is believed that reduced hours of sunlight and shorter days are at the root because of how they can affect the brain.[2] This is due to the sleep-related hormone melatonin, which is naturally released when it is dark. So, when there are shorter days, and it is darker, the body makes more melatonin. This can lead teens to feel sleepier and more sluggish.
Those who develop SAD typically produce less serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps us feel well and happy. They also typically produce less vitamin D, which is triggered by the amount of sunlight we receive. Without vitamin D, serotonin levels can also drop.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD can impact teens in several ways, with common symptoms in teens including:[1]
- Fatigue
- Low energy
- Oversleeping
- Gaining Weight
- Craving Foods High in Carbohydrates
- Decreased Interest in Activities
When they experience SAD, their symptoms typically subside in the spring and early summer months as the days start to get longer and there is ample sunshine.
How Seasonal Affective Disorder Impacts Teens with Addiction
The link between substance use and mental health issues is deeply rooted, with statistics showing half of those with a mental illness also deal with a substance use disorder.[3] Since SAD is a mental health condition, its impact on teens with addiction can be detrimental.
If teens enjoy playing sports outside or being outdoors, the lack of daylight hours can lead to SAD, as they are forced to spend more time indoors. This causes boredom and more opportunities to spend time indoors with friends. The combination of boredom and possible peer pressure can lead to substance use.
Weather conditions during the winter months can force teens to spend more time inside, alone, leading to depression, which is known to be a trigger for substance use. One study found that nearly 17% of people with depression had a substance use problem.[4] This is why avoiding isolation is so important for teens with addiction, not only during the fall and winter but year-round.
While teens spend more time indoors, they may also spend more time on social media, where they are exposed to images of people living their “best lives” when they’re not. This can lead to feelings of fear of missing out (FOMO), which can cause a relapse. Limiting social media time can be helpful to prevent this from happening and leading to dangerous outcomes.
How Teens Can Deal with Seasonal Depression and Addiction
There are several ways teens dealing with seasonal depression can avoid relapse:
Exercise
Teens with seasonal depression and addiction can benefit from an exercise regime. Exercise releases endorphins, which help to ease depression and stress. Walking, lifting weights, and heading to the gym are great ways to get moving. If it’s not too cold, take your exercise outside, as the natural sunlight can also fight SAD. This way, you can benefit from the exercise you’re getting and the natural light you are exposed to.
Spend Time with Others
If the seasons have you feeling down, spend time with others. Plan a movie night or game night to get friends together. Since you’re hosting, you don’t have to worry about any substances around that may trigger relapse.
Find New Hobbies to Manage Seasonal Depression and Addiction
When the change in seasons has you feeling down, explore a new hobby. Think of something that you’ve always wanted to do, and do it. This can be learning how to play a new instrument, acting classes, art classes, or whatever else you’re interested in. This new-found hobby can reduce boredom and introduce you to new people along the way.
Journal
Teens can also benefit from journaling to help them deal with SAD and addiction. By journaling, they can put their feelings to paper and express themselves. While guided journals are available, jotting down feelings and thoughts in a plain notebook can have the same effect.
Light Therapy
Some teens may also want to try light therapy. There are special lamps available that mimic sunlight to help reduce melatonin levels and increase serotonin production. This can also help give you energy and help you avoid feeling isolated and depressed.
Eat a Healthy Diet to Manage Seasonal Depression and Addiction
Eating well can help ward off the fatigue that SAD can cause. A balanced diet of proteins and other nutrients can help keep energy levels up and teens in a better frame of mind.
Seek Help for Substance Use Disorders at Ember Recovery
If you are looking for help overcoming substance use disorders, Ember Recovery is here to help. We provide teens and young adults with the professional treatment programs they need to overcome their addiction and lead a sober life.
Since we also offer dual-diagnosis treatment, we can help teens who are battling seasonal depression and addiction. This treatment focuses on mental health issues and addiction simultaneously. We ensure that teens and young adults are receiving the mental illness treatment they need while getting treatment for their addiction so they learn ways to overcome both issues.
Contact Ember Recovery today to learn more about our treatment programs for teens dealing with SAD and substance use disorders. Our team of highly trained professionals is ready to help your teen learn to live a sober life.
Sources:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651 [2] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/seasonal-affective-disorder [3] https://www.samhsa.gov/data/release/2022-national-survey-drug-use-and-health-nsduh-releases [4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10951442/
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.