KEY THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT WINTER DEPRESSION
Welcome to the wonderful winter weather of the year and to some welcome winter depression. Now the question is what is winter depression? How does it affect you? And how do you cope with it? Key things to know about winter depression can help in recovering from winter depression.
WHAT IS WINTER DEPRESSION?
The medical term for winter depression is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The seasonal affective disorder commonly happens in the fall and winter months but can happen also during the summer months. There are two terms.
Winter Depression
SAD is mostly known as winter onset or winter depression. It happens between late fall and early winter. Winter depression is the basic symptom of depression.
Summer Depression
The other term for SAD is spring onset or summer depression. This happens during the late spring to early summer. Summer depression is something you don’t hear about much. Summer depression is again the basic symptom of depression.
CAUSES OF WINTER DEPRESSION?
Winter depression is thought to be linked to the lack of sunlight during the winter months. The sleep-related hormone melatonin has been linked to winter depression. Our bodies make melatonin in the dark; the more it is dark, the more our bodies make it.
What are the symptoms of winter depression?
- Increased sleep and daytime drowsiness.
- Loss of interest and pleasure in normal or commonly enjoyed activities.
- Increased sensitivity to rejection
- Social withdrawal.
- Irritability and anxiety
- Feelings of guilt and hopelessness
- Low energy level
- Lower sex drive
- Harder to concentrate or focus.
- Difficulty thinking clearly.
- Increased drive for sweets or carbohydrates.
- Weight gain
- Possible headache
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