Seasonal depression
What is seasonal depression?
- signs
- reasons
- treatment
- People at risk
- prevention
- Find help
Do you feel sadder in the cold seasons, have less energy than usual, and feel depressed? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you may be suffering from seasonal depression.
What is seasonal depression or SAD?
SAD is a type of depression that occurs with the change of seasons. This depression usually starts in the beginning of autumn and gets worse during the winter and ends with the beginning of spring. In terms of prevalence, the disease is more common in women than men, but the cause of this difference is still unknown.
Of course, remember that depressed moods and mood swings are somewhat normal in the cold seasons because the air gets dark sooner and you are less likely to leave the house, but these moods are considered normal as long as they affect daily life, performance and thoughts and feelings. Do not affect, treatment is necessary if symptoms are severe.
Is it possible for seasonal depression to occur in non-cold seasons as well?
A number of people develop a type of seasonal depression that is less common and is called summer depression. Symptoms seen in these people are usually depressed mood, anorexia, lack of energy and insomnia.
How do I know if I have seasonal depression?
The general symptoms are similar to the symptoms of depression and include:
- feel sad
- Anxiety
Nutritional problems such as cravings for carbohydrates and anorexia
Fatigue and lack of energy
- Concentration problems
- Loss of interest in activities
- Sleep problems
- Motivation
Thoughts of death and suicide
Summer depression also has the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Anorexia
- insomnia
- Restlessness
But why do we suffer from seasonal depression?
Research has not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of seasonal depression, but possible causes include changes in the body’s biological clock, hormonal changes in the brain, vitamin D deficiency due to lack of sunlight, increased melatonin, which is involved in drowsiness, and negative thoughts.
Is there a cure for SAD?
There are several treatments for seasonal depression based on the severity of the problem, such as medication, conversation therapy, vitamin D use, spending more time outdoors, and most importantly, light therapy!
But what exactly is light therapy and how does it affect your condition?
In this treatment, you are exposed to a light source called a light box, which emits many times as much light as a normal room. At first, you may only be exposed to light for 10 to 15 minutes, and then increase to 30 minutes. Find. Be careful not to stare at the light source.
This treatment is not for you if you have sensitive skin or a history of bipolar disorder.
Eventually some people will respond to this treatment sooner and some later. If the treatment does not work for you, you should seek other treatments with a specialist.
Who is at risk for seasonal depression?
People who themselves or their close relatives have mood disorders such as other types of depression or bipolar disorder, and people who live in the northern hemisphere, such as Alaska, or in areas that are generally cloudy, are at higher risk.
Is there a way to prevent seasonal depression?
Like any depression, your lifestyle can be preventative. For example, eating a healthy diet, exercising, going out regularly, and getting help from a psychologist can help prevent seasonal depression.
How do I get help?
First of all, remember that you should not make a diagnosis for yourself or anyone else or treat yourself without the help of a mental health professional. If you feel that the above symptoms are true for you, be sure to seek help from a psychologist. Do not forget that these symptoms must have been repeated for at least two years for you to be diagnosed with seasonal depression.
The final recommendation is to avoid loneliness, alcohol and drugs so as not to aggravate your symptoms.