Depression, seasonal changes? | Revista Women's Health

Do you feel depressed with the change of the winter season? Are you experiencing anxiety for sweet foods and carbohydrates? Are your energy levels low? Do you constantly feel hopeless, frustrated and anxious? Have you had thoughts of despair?

Most of us generally feel more optimistic and positive with a jump in our step when the weather is sunny and bright. When the weather is gloomy, cold and sad, our moods fall and we feel depressed. However, in some people these mood swings become a type of depression that accompanies seasonal changes and affects their ability to function normally.

Recurrent episodes of clinical depression that emerge during seasonal changes, particularly in winter and / or during the holidays, referred to as seasonal depression ? or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also commonly known as seasonal mood disorder.

This condition is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus ? the part of the brain that governs the body?s primary functions such as appetite, temperature, sleep, sex drive, mood and activity.

The hypothalamus is stimulated by the natural light entering the eye and reaches the retina. When the days are short and reduced sunlight, the hypothalamus has to adjust their response to various mechanisms of the body, delaying these functions.

A milder form of this type of depression more commonly referred to as winter depression, cabin fever or reaction of hibernation. Other names for this condition include depression, holiday, or holiday penalty.

While winter depression can be uncomfortable, the condition is not unbearable. The classic symptoms of winter depression include fatigue, over-sleeping, desire for carbohydrate, weight gain, low libido, and sometimes even despair, social withdrawal and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms are similar to those of seasonal affective disorder ? but not as severe.

Winter depression usually begins early in the winter and usually disappears for the summer (starting in October or November and falls in March or April). It often affects people who live in northern geographic regions.

Changes in ambient light such as cloudy weather or dim lighting affects people with winter depression and makes their depression worse. The winter season is not the only responsible for depressions of humor ? a less common type of depression called seasonal disorder of the summer and begins in early summer and usually lasts until winter.

Seasonal depression is difficult to diagnose because the presenting symptoms are so similar to other types of depression. Is sometimes diagnosed as physical condition such as hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, infectious mononucleosis and other viral infections.

There are several treatment options for seasonal depression as a complementary therapy and natural, allowing people to lead full and productive lives.

Common symptoms of winter depression include:

• Weight gain
• A change in appetite (desire for carbohydrate and sweets)
• A heavy feeling in arms or legs
• Physical complaints such as body aches, constipation, diarrhea
• Low Energy Levels

Fatigue

• A tendency to sleep for longer periods
• Loss of sexual desire
• Concentrating hard

Irritability and anxiety

• Despair
• Thoughts of suicide
• Increased sensitivity to social rejection
• Social Withdrawal

What causes seasonal depression?

The exact causes of seasonal depression are unknown. Research shows that a lack of bright light during the winter months can cause the development of seasonal depression.

Other research shows that a disrupted body clock (circadian rhythm) causes depression and lethargy. In addition, low serotonin (neurotransmitters that carry messages to the brain) and the levels of melatonin (the hormone that gives us sleep) can be found in people who suffer from seasonal depression.

Diagnosis of seasonal depression

The diagnosis for seasonal depression is based on reported symptoms, along with a history of seasonal episodes. A questionnaire will also determine if the sleep patterns of a person, weight, energy levels, mood and social activity are affected.

Help for seasonal depression

In many cases, the diagnosis is overlooked by people who experience seasonal depression often. However, there are effective ways to treat and control symptoms of seasonal depression and do not need people to suffer year after year.

The symptoms associated with depression can affect daily life and not be ignored. Treatment options include conventional therapy, psychotherapy, complementary therapy, natural therapy or a combination thereof. Conventional drugs for the treatment of seasonal depression include antidepressant medication such as prozac, zoloft, paxil or celexa.

While these may be beneficial in the short term, many long-term effects are unknown. In addition, side effects often include insomnia, decreased sex drive, weight gain, headaches and other symptoms. Counseling and behavioral therapy can be very helpful and provide assistance during the difficult months and changes in lifestyle.

Natural Remedies

There are a number of natural remedies and holistic approaches that are best suited for the body than conventional medicine. Herbal and homeopathic remedies can provide harmony in the body and a better balance to your moods and feelings without the side effects and potential for dependency associated with synthetic drugs.

Some herbal remedies commonly recommended for seasonal depression include St. John?s wort, passionflower and skullcap.

There are also a number of homeopathic remedies that may be of benefit as calc carb and aluminum ? that can help deal with feelings of anxiety, fatigue and low mood.

Aurum is used homeopathically to treat brain cell health and can help treat mental conditions such as depression. The people who benefit from this remedy tends to be very sensitive individuals who need help. Nat Mur and Kali phos may also help treat feelings of despair and melancholy.

Source: http://revistawomenshealth.com/diseases/depression/depression-seasonal-changes.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=depression-seasonal-changes

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