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RSSSeasonal Depression – Got The Winter Blues
Posted in Understanding Depression by admin on December 21st, 2006
Seasonal Depression – Got The Winter Blues
by Ryan Puusaari
What is seasonal depression?
Seasonal depression (SAD) is a form of depression that affects 6 out of every 100 people in North America. It is most common in young women in the northern states during late fall and winter. As with all forms of depression, if it goes untreated, it can take a terrible toll on a person’s life.
While the causes of SAD are unknown at this time, it has been observed that a reduction of sunlight in the winter months seems to trigger it.
There is no clear understanding as to why this is or how the sunlight interacts with the body to prevent or trigger SAD. It does appear that it runs in the family, so you should be aware of any history of it in your family.
What are the symptoms?
Most people will suffer from some or all of the following symptoms:
* Depressed moods
* Sudden loss of interest in things that make you happy
* Feeling like you have no energy
* A sense of worthlessness or hopelessness
* Inability to concentrate
In several cases, there have been reports of thoughts of suicide. While you may not experience all these symptoms, you should take them seriously. Have a conversation with your doctor about when you first noticed the symptoms, as they could also be other forms of depression.
The conditions that bring on the depression are important and need to be known to differentiate SAD from other forms of depression.
What are the causes?
The causes of SAD are not known at this time. It is believed that the amount of sunlight you receive is key to SAD. It is not clear why sunlight is linked to it, but there are more recorded cases of SAD in areas of the world that have reduced sunlight due winter or cloudy skies.
What is the treatment?
Currently, the recommended treatment for SAD is bright light therapy. This treatment involves exposure to light that is brighter than normal home or office lights. It helps relieve the symptoms of SAD in about two thirds of all patients.
The light source needs to be at least 10,000 lux and you should be exposed to it for about 30 minutes per day. Tanning beds do not work as a substitute for the proper bright light source and should be avoided.
As with any treatment, there are some side effects but they are minimal and short term. They will include eyestrain and headaches and are relieved with removal of the light source.
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