Spring Equinox Marks Turning Point for Teens with Seasonal Affective Disorder

Spring Equinox Marks Turning Point for Teens with Seasonal Affective Disorder

One of the main causes of seasonal affective disorder is deficiency of sunlight in the winter months. For teens who are struggling with seasonal affective disorder, their mood often shifts around the Spring Equinox, but they may continue to struggle through the warm months if they’ve developed unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with seasonal depression.  

Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder impacts individuals differently- some experience more mild symptoms than others. Different symptoms are associated with different seasons. While the winter is the most common season where the disorder is onset, summer seasonal affective disorder is possible too. Below are the distinctive symptoms that appear in these two seasons.

Winter Pattern of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Teens:

• Hypersomnia
• Low energy
• Weight gain
• Craving of carbohydrates
• Social withdrawal (desire to “hibernate”)

Summer Pattern of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Teens:

• Agitation
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Increased impulsivity
• Loss of appetite

What Happens Once The Seasons Change?

The main difference between Major Depressive Disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder is the predictability of onset and length of episodes. Many teens believe that after the Spring Equinox, their symptoms will go away for a few months. For some, it doesn’t happen that simply. They may struggle to bounce back, especially if they’ve pushed away their support system or started experimenting with substances to cope. Outdoor activities, healthy social relationships, and balanced nutrition are recommended therapies for teens with seasonal affective disorder. As the onset of symptoms is often out of one’s control, managing symptoms is all about developing healthier habits. Residential treatment centers, like Equinox RTC, help teens integrate these habits into their everyday routines so that they are more prepared to cope with recurring episodes of seasonal depression. 

How is the Spring Equinox a Metaphor for Recovery?

The equinox occurs twice a year—each time at the perfect midpoint between the solstices. It represents the point at which the sun is directly above or perpendicular to the equator, when the sun is equally divided between the southern and northern hemispheres. In my view, the Equinox represents a state of balance. One of our goals at Equinox RTC is to help students understand and recognize how to achieve balance in their lives. We want our boys to recognize that there are going to be moments of dark and moments of light throughout their lives. Our goal is to help students gain the skills necessary to thrive through all of life’s moments—light and dark alike.

Equinox RTC Can Help

Equinox is a residential treatment center that helps boys ages 14-18 who struggle with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and addictive behaviors. Equinox offers a unique treatment program designed to fit each individual’s specific needs. This treatment center has a supportive environment that helps students heal from the inside-out. Students develop a healthy sense of social and emotional awareness and learn how to incorporate good habits into their daily lives. Equinox enforces a positive change in the lives of young men and offers them a fresh start at a happy and healthy future. We can help your family today! Contact us at 877-279-8925 to learn more.