When we think about remarkable changes in the world, it’s clear that Black women have played a significant role ranging from fashion trends to economic growth. However, there are certain factors that can limit them from reaching their true potential, including depression. In this article, we’ll explore seasonal depression in Black women and how it can affect them.
Depression is a prevalent mental disorder that can impact people from all walks of life, including different communities and races. One commonly overlooked type of depression is seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It occurs mainly during specific periods of the year, particularly in the fall and winter. It’s more frequent in women than men and may be more widespread in certain populations, such as those living in northern latitudes. Genetic factors can also influence it.
Identifying seasonal depression can be challenging, but it’s crucial to be familiar with the typical symptoms. Black women may experience unique symptoms compared to women in other groups, and they may also receive less diagnosis and treatment. Research has shown that Black women with depression often report sleep problems, self-criticism, and anger, rather than the more common symptoms like moodiness. Other symptoms may include feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, shame, decreased energy, abnormal eating and sleeping patterns, as well as thoughts of suicide or death.
Have you observed symptoms of seasonal depression? You may not be sure of these symptoms, which sap your energy and make you feel grumpy. It typically starts in the fall and lingers all winter. They normally disappear in the spring and summer. However, less commonly, seasonal depression may occur in the spring or early summer and resolve in the fall or winter.
What causes seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
Though the exact cause of SAD is uncertain, fluctuations in the amount of sunlight exposure in the fall and winter are likely to play a role. Reduced sunshine exposure can lead to chemical imbalances in the body, such as melatonin and serotonin, which can affect mood and energy levels. It can also interfere with the body’s natural circadian cycles. Furthermore, age, heredity, and pre-existing mental health disorders may all play a role in SAD. Research has provided certain theories that have helped to understand seasonal depression better:
Sunlight plays a crucial role in our mental health. When the amount of sunlight diminishes, your biological clock shifts. Hormones, sleep habits, and mood are all controlled by your internal clock. When this happens, you find yourself out of sync with your typical schedule and unable to adjust to the day’s lengthening. Also, an imbalance in brain compounds known as neurotransmitters enhances neuronal transmission. Serotonin, which plays a role in happiness, is one of these chemicals. If you are at risk for SAD, your serotonin activity may already be low. Sunlight deprivation throughout the winter can aggravate the disease since it regulates serotonin. A further drop in serotonin levels could lead to depression.
Another suggested reason is Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D also boosts serotonin levels. Because sunlight contributes to the manufacturing of vitamin D, less sun exposure in the winter can result in a vitamin D deficiency. That change may affect both your mood and your serotonin levels.
Lastly, unpleasant thoughts about the winter have been observed to either play a role or be an outcome of seasonal depression. People with SAD frequently experience stress, anxiety, and unpleasant thoughts about the winter (this could be as