October 22, 2021
What is Seasonal Depression and How Can You Prevent It?
What is Seasonal Depression and How Does It Affect You?
Seasonal depression is most common in areas of the world where individuals are exposed to little sunlight for long periods of time. During the winter months, affected people report a notable drop in mood, as well as trouble completing work, a loss of interest in regular activities, and changes in sleep patterns. You can get through the winter with good self-care and a complete strategy with your healthcare professional.
Winter can be a relatively challenging season for some people, while it can be quite difficult for others. If you're having serious problems, seek help from a mental health professional or call your local suicide prevention hotline.
Creating a Foundation for Good Self-Care
Depression exists, whether it is seasonal or not. Establishing solid social support systems, eating a balanced nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising should all be part of any plan for controlling depression. However, these things aren't always enough, and you'll require more assistance.
Always start with your primary care physician and a mental health specialist to develop a thorough strategy that is tailored to your specific requirements. Here are some extra resources to think about.
Seasonal Depression: 11 Natural Approaches
1. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep.
Melatonin is a well-known supplement for supporting sleep. Some persons are more susceptible to the effects of melatonin or have aberrant melatonin output during the winter months, which may make seasonal mood difficulties more challenging for them. There is some preliminary evidence that consuming melatonin before bedtime can help with seasonal depression symptoms.
Melatonin is generally harmless, and getting enough sleep is critical for overall health. If your sleep problems don't go away, see a doctor. Melatonin is only available via prescription in some parts of the world, although it is available as a supplement in others.
2. Phototherapy, or happy light
During the winter, you can buy a customized lightbox to sit in front of in the morning to replicate natural sunlight. This has been reported to be beneficial in conjunction with melatonin and other medications in several trials. Certain mental health disorders may be exacerbated by phototherapy; if you have any concerns, speak with your doctor about using one.
3. Vitamin D
Many people refer to vitamin D as the "sunshine vitamin" because it is produced in our bodies when we are exposed to sunlight. When the number of daylight hours is limited, deficiency is more likely, which can contribute to depression. Vitamin D supplementation, in combination with other therapy, has been shown to help treat seasonal depression in studies. It's impossible to know if you're lacking in vitamin D without a blood test, so talk to your doctor about getting one. Dosing is still important, as too much can have negative effects. Consult your physician to determine the proper dosage for you.
