As the colors of the leaves change and the length of the days shortens, some individuals go through more than just the seasonal shift, and suffer from seasonal depression, which is a subtype of general depression.
The Dallas Morning News reported that Dr. Annemarie McNamara, an assistant professor at Texas A&M University, said, “This means that a person experiences the most episodes of depression in a given season.” He added, “This subtype of generalized depression affects individuals at certain times of the year, such as fall or winter, and what distinguishes it is the recurring pattern of depressive episodes.”
Although not fully understood, possible causes include disruption of the circadian rhythm and biochemical factors including vitamin D, melatonin and serotonin deficiency.
“The exact causes of seasonal depression are not clear, but some theories point to changes in circadian rhythms due to shortened amounts of light in winter, as well as possible relationships with melatonin, vitamin D, and serotonin, a chemical that contributes to depression,” McNamara added. “Conclusive evidence supports any given theory.”
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in every 5 adults in the United States develops a mental illness in Texas each year. This means that 3.3 million adults in Texas may suffer from a mental health condition, which is more than twice the population of the city of Dallas.
Symptoms
The symptoms of seasonal depression are often similar to the symptoms of other types of non-seasonal depression, which appear in the form of constant sadness, lack of desire to perform activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, lethargy, and difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
McNamara explained, “Seasonal depression shares symptoms with regular depression, such as changes in appetite and sleep, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. What distinguishes seasonal depression is the timing, as symptoms appear in a specific season, usually winter. Some people may feel a desire to overeat, especially carbohydrates.” , In addition to the desire to sleep for long periods, but these symptoms are not necessary for diagnosis, and the main factor is the seasonal pattern of symptoms.
Symptoms of seasonal depression during the winter can include excessive sleeping and eating, especially carbohydrates, and withdrawal from social life.
Symptoms of seasonal depression in the summer can also include: insomnia, poor appetite, anxiety, and violent or aggressive behavior.
Treatments for seasonal depression are similar to those used to treat general depression, and mainly include cognitive behavioral therapy and medications.
Cognitive behavior therapy focuses on changing negative thoughts and behavior, while medications offer another effective option. “We can sometimes change how we feel by changing how we think, and cognitive behavioral therapy works with the patient to change thoughts and behavior in order to change mood,” McNamara said.
The treatment option depends on personal preferences and healthcare advice. Mild therapy, which includes exposure to sunlight, is also used to treat seasonal depression.
McNamara noted that as well as specialized treatments, making lifestyle changes can help mitigate the effects of seasonal depression.
Outdoor
He said, “Practicing regular outdoor sports activity provides a dual benefit in terms of physical activity and increased exposure to daylight, while socializing and maintaining a daily routine provides emotional support and stability.”
Recognizing the onset of acute symptoms and seeking professional help is essential, as getting timely treatment greatly improves outcomes for those suffering from seasonal depression.
“Seasonal depression should be treated as something people can control with help, rather than something they face on their own,” McNamara said.
The National Institute of Mental Health indicated that the ability to predict the onset of seasonal depression allows people with this condition to benefit from starting treatments during the fall for those who suffer from seasonal depression in the winter or during the spring for those who suffer from seasonal depression in the summer to help prevent the occurrence of depressive symptoms or Limit it.