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Autumn Depression: Clinical Fact or Social Media Trend?

As autumn arrives, social media platforms are filled with discussions about 'autumn depression,' characterizing a period of low mood and lack of energy. Psychologist Nadia Jouadi clarifies that this is not a medical diagnosis, but rather a colloquial term for Seasonal Affective Disorder. This condition is linked to changes in natural light exposure, which affects hormonal regulation, including serotonin and melatonin levels. Jouadi emphasizes that transient feelings of sadness due to the end of holidays or the pressure of returning to work are distinct from actual clinical depression. A professional diagnosis requires symptoms to persist for at least two weeks and recur during specific seasonal periods. Therefore, it is important to differentiate between temporary seasonal fatigue and actual mental health conditions that require clinical intervention.