Diabetes management and seasonal mood changes

Every season presents its own challenges for diabetes management, but the winter months are known for being extra tough on mood and mental health. About five percent of Americans experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is often referred to as seasonal depression. It's estimated that 14 percent of U.S. adults deal with the winter blues, a less severe type of seasonal mood change.

As we experience the joy of the holidays, the season may bring with it feelings of sadness or stress as well. If you're not sure how the season is affecting your well-being as a person with diabetes, read on for more information and possible next steps.

What are seasonal mood changes?

It's common for people to start to feel a bit down when the days begin to get shorter in the fall and through the winter, with moods lifting again as the natural daylight increases in the spring. This type of seasonal mood change is part of the winter blues, a general term that describes a mild occurrence that is likely to clear up on its own.

Seasonal depression, or SAD, is a subtype of major depression that may begin in the fall and through the winter months, particularly when there is less natural light. Folks who have SAD may exhibit the symptoms of major depression and/or symptoms that are specific to this subtype like oversleeping, overeating, weight gain, and social withdrawal.

How do seasonal mood changes impact people living with diabetes?

People living with diabetes are already at a higher risk for anxiety and depression, so while it's not known how many people living with diabetes experience winter blues or SAD, it's important to maintain awareness.

Burnout or diabetes distress may overlap with the winter blues. Any additional tiredness or lack of motivation, no matter the cause, can have an impact on diabetes management, which requires continuous maintenance. Overeating carbohydrates due to SAD may be more detrimental for someone with diabetes due to the impact on blood glucose levels. These examples show just a sliver of the ways seasonal mood changes may impact someone living with diabetes. It's important to know yourself so you can identify changes in your mood, mental health, and physical health as promptly as possible.

What can you do if you're experiencing seasonal mood changes?

If you're having trouble with the winter blues, consider how low moods, carb cravings, or overall irritability might be impacted by your blood glucose levels. Sometimes the desire to get off the blood sugar rollercoaster can be enough to motivate a lifestyle reset and lift us out of challenging periods. Committing to quality rest, balanced meals, and frequent physical movement can be a great place to start.

Let your doctor know if you are experiencing what you perceive to be winter blues or symptoms of seasonal depression. They may order lab tests to see if there's a physical issue to be addressed like low Vitamin D levels. Additionally, they are able to screen for depression, provide mental health resources, prescribe medications that can help with these concerns, and refer to mental health providers. Even if you're not sure what exactly you're experiencing or whether it's serious, reach out to your care team so they can evaluate and connect you with the help you need.

For immediate help with mental health, please see the resources available from MentalHealth.gov.

Longer, sunnier days are coming

With seasonal mood shifts prone to taking a toll on diabetes management, it's important to tune in to all aspects of health and well-being during the winter season. Take it one moment at a time as we approach the spring. Stick to your key self-care practices, and remember that your medical team is here to support you along the way.

Just as the winter blues and seasonal depression can impact diabetes management, diabetes can impact mental health. Read more about healthy coping strategies on the Edgepark Health Insights blog.