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Seasonal Depression

 

There are two different types of seasonal depression (SAD) that you may suffer from. These include winter depression (winter blues) and summer depression (summer blues). You may be in very good health for most parts of the year then suddenly start experiencing depressive symptoms with onset of either summer or winter. Although previously medically ignored, it is now apparent that there are many people who suffer seriously from this condition especially when weather conditions in both periods are to the extreme. Of the two, winter blues is the most common. There is also the risk of SAD developing into either major or bipolar depression.

Seasonal depression symptoms are generally changes in normal way of life. You find it difficult to wake up in the mornings, oversleep, have a craving for particular foods, general body fatigue, over eat, lack of concentration, a feeling of hopelessness, low libido and total withdrawal from others. You can also become highly irritable, develop anxiety gain weight and develop suicidal thoughts.

Only one thing has been linked to occurrence of seasonal depression. The link relates to the fact that you are bound to adapt to winter weather in a way similar to hibernating, which other living species resort to during the period. SAD is actually considered to be the result of evolved adaptation particularly during winter season.

There are different seasonal depression treatment methods your physician may recommend. Although anti-depressant medications are available professionals usually recommend therapies instead. Light therapy for example involves being exposed to bright light for several minutes during different treatment sessions. Group therapy sessions have been found to be very effective in treating seasonal depression. Patients in such groups are normally offered lessons on stress management, substance abuse, smoking cessation, weight and nutrition amongst other lessons. Varied forms of Psychotherapy including behavioral activation and interpersonal psychotherapy have also been found to treat seasonal depression.

Seasonal depression is the easiest type of depression to manage. What you need to do is undertake self-system assessment during the winter to know whether you experience the afore-stated symptoms or not. You may actually not need to use medications in addressing the condition. Outdoor therapy is one of the most safe and beneficial treatment therapies you can undertake on your own. Undertaking outdoor activities during winter effectively prevents the occurrence of the condition. This type of therapy is actually used in countries where adverse weather conditions persist particularly during winter season.