Understanding Seasonal Depression During Divorce or Separation

Coping with the Holidays & Your Emotions

Weathering The Blues

As the holiday season approaches, it’s hard to miss the shift in the air—store shelves filled with festive décor, twinkling lights, and familiar holiday tunes filling the space. But for many, this time of year is also marked by a different kind of atmosphere. 

While the holidays may seem like the “most wonderful time of the year” to some, they can be a difficult season for others, especially those going through significant life changes like a divorce or separation. The holidays can bring feelings of isolation, stress, and sadness to the forefront—feelings that may be intensified by something called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 

What is Seasonal Affects Disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs at certain times of the year, typically during the fall and winter months when the days are shorter, and there’s less sunlight. The reduced exposure to sunlight can affect the body’s production of melatonin and serotonin, leading to changes in mood, sleep, and energy levels. For some people, these feelings can be overwhelming. 
It’s important to understand that SAD doesn’t always manifest as sadness alone. It can also include symptoms such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, fatigue, and a sense of being “stuck” emotionally. If you find that you experience these feelings annually, particularly in the winter months, and they resolve with the return of spring, you might be dealing with SAD. 

Divorce or Separation and Seasonal Depression

If you’re currently navigating a divorce or separation, the holiday season can amplify existing emotional challenges. The stress, sadness, and anxiety related to ending a relationship can blend with the emotional toll of SAD, making it difficult to determine what emotions are stemming from your life changes and what might be the result of seasonal depression.

Situational Emotions vs. Seasonal Affective Disorder

When experiencing major life transitions like a divorce or separation, the emotions you’re feeling may be situational. Situational emotions, such as stress, anger, or sadness, are typically related to specific events or changes in your life. As your situation resolves—whether it’s finalizing a divorce or reaching a settlement—these emotions generally subside. 

However, when these emotions feel persistent and align with the time of year, they may be compounded by SAD. It can be challenging to tell the difference, but the key is to recognize patterns. Seasonal symptoms usually emerge during the colder, darker months and often dissipate as the weather improves in spring. 

Coping with Both Divorce and Seasonal Affective Disorder

If you’re dealing with both the emotional toll of a divorce or separation and the symptoms of SAD, it’s important to address both issues. While there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution, here are some strategies that may help:

 

  • Counseling and Support

For those experiencing situational emotional distress, therapy or counseling can be incredibly beneficial. Working with a counselor or therapist can help you manage the emotional challenges associated with divorce or separation and find healthy ways to cope.

  •  Light Therapy

One of the most common treatments for SAD is light therapy. A therapeutic light box can help replicate the sunlight that’s often in short supply during the winter months.

  • Medication

If your symptoms are severe or significantly interfere with your daily life, you might want to consider medication. Consulting with your physician can help you determine the best treatment plan for managing both situational depression and SAD.

  • Exercise and Outdoor Time

Physical activity is a powerful mood booster. If weather permits, try to get outside for a walk or engage in any outdoor activities that allow you to soak in natural light.

  • Vitamin D

Another common remedy for SAD is Vitamin D supplementation. If you’re not getting enough sunlight, taking a Vitamin D supplement can help improve mood and energy levels. It’s always best to check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

How Can A Family Lawyer Help During the Holidays?

While addressing your emotional well-being is vital during this challenging time, it’s equally important to focus on your legal matters. If you’re separating from your partner or undergoing a divorce, having a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities is crucial, especially if children are involved. 
If you are navigating a divorce or separation and need legal advice, contact our team at Mercier & Associates today to schedule a consultation. 
You Are Not Alone with Mercier & Associates

You Are Not Alone

If you’re struggling with your mental health, please know that support is available. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. For immediate help during a crisis, contact a local crisis hotline, such as the Klinic Crisis Support Line: 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019 or the Shared Health Adult Crisis Response Centre & Crisis Services (Winnipeg): 204-940-1781.  You may also call or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline.  If your safety is at risk, call 911 right away. 

For ongoing support, consider speaking with a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional.  Our lawyers can also provide you with referrals to mental health services and professionals if you require them.  

The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. 

About the Author

Sarah Thurmeier obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Advanced) from the University of Manitoba in 2004 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Laws from the same institution in 2007, being called to the bar in 2008. She has practiced exclusively in family law since 2010, helping clients navigate family restructuring with a focus on teamwork, collaboration, and minimizing conflict. While Sarah is an experienced litigator, she prioritizes resolving matters outside of court through negotiation and alternative dispute resolution processes, including collaborative family law, mediation, and arbitration, having completed the National Family Law Arbitration Course in 2022. Passionate about promoting access to justice, Sarah serves as Vice President and a board member of the Community Legal Education Association (CLEA) and volunteers as a lawyer for the Legal Help Centre. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and two rescue dogs, reading, practicing Pilates, and singing in community choirs. Connect with Sarah by email or visit the firm’s website.

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If you’re considering divorce and want to understand your rights and options, reach out to us at Mercier & Associates Family Law. Our experienced team is here to support you through every aspect of the process, from custody to support and property division. 

Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us help you navigate this challenging time with the guidance you need.