Coping Up With Winter Depression

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'Winter Depression' as the word goes is a form of depression or a low spiritedness that takes over people during the winter season. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is another term for this depression.

The symptoms for this seasonal depression are

• Lack of interest and lethargy
• Low mood starting for any activity
• Sleepiness and increased sleep during day time
• Over eating and a craving for carbohydrate food
• Irritability
• Lack of interest for socializing

Another apparent symptom of this depression in affected people is the stress and difficulties that they undergo during winter. It resembles that of any other depression that is an outcome of a stressful event.

Causes For Winter Depression
The cause for this kind of an ailment is unknown. However the cause for it is related to the lower temperature level during winter and the reduction in the natural light. The reason for this depression may also be accounted to a brain chemical called the Melatonin. The release of Melatonin depends upon the exposure to light thereby affecting the bodily rhythms. But this is still a suggestion and not a conclusion.

Treatment For Winter Depression
The methods involved in treating this depression normally are

• Antidepressant medication
• Bright light therapy
• Psychological treatment

The symptoms however does not express themselves severely that it almost goes unnoticed to be brought to the notice of a physician. In cases where the symptoms are apparent a psychiatrist may be consulted. Anti depressants prescribed by physicians and psychiatrists also help in their own way in curing this depression.

Bright light therapy consists of creating additional light to replace the gloom of the winter in the season as well as in the minds of the sufferers. The therapy consists of having a special lamp or a light at the home of the victim. The sufferer is exposed to the light for a few hours a day. This therapy is said to have accounted for a considerable relief. But it is reported to have not helped much in the alteration in the level of melatonin.

As the name goes, the depression just lasts during winter and disappears in spring. But there are a small number of people whose moods do not spring up with the advent of spring. These people are affected by seasonal bipolar affective disorder and can also be treated.

With the tremendous growth in the field of medicine, this seasonal depression is definitely treatable and curable.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.