Seasonal depressionit is a type of depression that occurs in certain periods of the year, especially in autumn and winter. In particular, shortening of days and decreasing sunlight can affect the mood and cause symptoms such as low energy, unhappiness and reluctance. It usually improves spontaneously with spring, but in some cases it may require treatment.
What is seasonal depression?
The most common psychological disorders is depression. Seasonal depression is a type of depression that is in certain periods of the year, especially in autumn and winter. The shortening of days and the decrease in daylight are among the causes of depression. This is also called seasonal mood disorder.
Causes seasonal depression?
The main cause of seasonal depression is the decrease in sunlight. The sunlight and the serotonin level in the brain are connected. The decrease in daylight may reduce the amount of serotonin in the brain. This may lead to depressive symptoms. In addition, the production of melatonin hormone increases to increase the feeling of sleep. Genetic factors and the biological time of the person may affect the predisposition of seasonal depression.
How does seasonal depression pass?
Symptoms of seasonal depression generally:
- Weakness
- Low energy
- Reluctance and weight loss. Moving away from social life, despair and unhappiness are among the symptoms.
Support can be obtained from light therapy to alleviate seasonal depression. The missing daylight can be taken using special light boxes. It is among the best drugs of seasonal depression to spend time as much as possible during the day, to exercise, to eat healthy and to pay attention to sleep patterns. Since vitamin D deficiency will be linked to depression and reinforcement and discussing with a specialist is one of the most important points.
How long does seasonal depression last?
As the name of seasonal depression suggests, it is a periodic situation. It usually starts in autumn and winter, and with the arrival of spring, symptoms are lightened or disappeared. In most people, seasonal depression may take 4-5 months. But this may show personal differences. In some people, symptoms may continue in a short time, while others may continue during the winter.
What are the symptoms of seasonal depression?
Symptoms of seasonal depression It is the same as normal depression. The difference is that these situations occur in winter. Negative feelings and thoughts such as weakness, pessimism and weight loss are among the symptoms of seasonal depression. Persons who feel these situations can meet with a psychologist and seasonal depression test such as evaluating.
How to treat seasonal depression?
Treatment of seasonal depression should be done by an expert. While small changes in lifestyle are sufficient in mild cases, therapy and medication may be required in severe cases. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy is among the very effective methods.