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Winter Depression
For most people winter means it’s time to break out the winter
coat, get the skis ready for the first day of the season, waiting for the lake
to freeze for ice fishing, sledding, snowball fights and all the other
activities that we associate with the shorter days of winter.
For some people however winter means a case of winter depression or the winter
blues. It is a general malaise that includes symptoms of tiredness and fatigue,
trouble getting out of a warm bed, some weight gain from less activity and sugar
and carbohydrate cravings, and just generally feeling down and out about life.
For most people winter depression is comes with the shortening of the days and
colder temperatures. People become less active and respond to the changing of
the seasons with changes in mood, behavior and for some people even their
metabolism slows down. There is also less time to accomplish certain tasks
because of the shorter daylight hours leaving many people who suffer from winter
depression feeling like they are not accomplishing anything.
The symptoms for winter depression usually start sometime in September and can
last into April and follow the bell curve with the worst symptoms occurring
during the darkest middle months of winter. The incidences of winter depression
also increases as one moves farther from the equator with the resulting shorter
days and longer nights.
The lack of direct sunlight is the main cause of winter depression. Research has
shown that direct bright light affects brain chemistry for the better. Most who
suffer from winter depression are able to overcome their lethargy by exposing
themselves to bright artificial lights or spending more time outside during the
day. In fact if you suffer from winter depression make it a point to get outside
and go for a walk. The combination of exercise and sunlight will do you good.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is the more severe form of winter depression
and requires more in the way of treatment including, anti-depressant medication,
counseling, and light therapy.
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