About Winter Depression

There is not a single person in the entire world that does not have some "down" days. But most people are able to get things in perspective and their mood elevates. The ups and downs are common to us all but there are some illnesses that can linger. If you find that you are having far more "down" days than you are good, you may want to check the calendar. Many people find that during the winter months they become depressed quite easily. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is something many people has to face each year. Many people call it winter depression. If you are unfamiliar with this condition and think you may have it, or a family member may be suffering from it, this article can help you understand what it is and what the treatment options are for you or a loved one.

What are the symptoms of winter depression?

There are some symptoms of winter depression that you should look for if you are feeling depressed. The first is a lack of energy. You simply do not feel like doing anything. You also may find that you are oversleeping and overeating. That leads to weight gain because you are not as active as you typically are during the rest of the year. You may have difficulty concentrating or completing tasks. You may even find yourself shutting yourself away from friends and family more as the depression takes a deeper hold. If you experience any of these for a prolonged period of time, more than a week, then you should see your physician.

If you are diagnosed with winter depression do you have to take treatments or medications year round?

Most people who are suffering from SAD find that they only need to take medications leading up to the winter months when they are typically hit the hardest. Between medication, therapy and light therapy they find that they are able to get through the winter months. However, if there is an underlying mental condition then medication may be needed on a regular basis. Therapy may also be needed on a regular basis if you find that you are still suffering from depression even after the weather has warmed back up and you are able to get outside more often.

Are there support groups for SAD?

Yes, there are support groups for SAD. The best place to find information about support groups from people suffering from winter depression is your local mental health clinic or physician. You can also try searching the internet. A great website filled with many compassionate people can be found at www.dailystrength.org. You have to register for an account and you will need to post as much information about your diagnosis as possible. You can then invite friends and family members to join to help support you. You can even set goals for yourself and have other community members help support you in achieving those goals.

Are there any homeopathic remedies for winter depression?

Technically light therapy would be a homeopathic remedy for SAD. That being said there are also vitamins and supplements you can take. You can even buy melatonin to take on a regular basis but you must be careful. Homeopathic remedies and such are not regulated by the federal government and there are no guarantees. You may want to contact your physician first and find how what he or she recommends before you begin self-medicating.

Related topics about Winter Depression

Treating SAD Winter Depression
Light therapy is done with the help of special light therapy lamps. Also known as photo therapy, this form of treatment involves exposing the eyes and skin to specific light wavelengths using LEDs, or light emitting diodes, fluorescent light, lasers or bright lights that emit all the colors of the spectrum. This type of procedure is prescribed for a short period of time and is non-invasive.

Be Aware of Winter Depression Symptoms
Treatment options will vary from person to person. Often people will experience winter depression symptoms differently when under the affects of this disorder and no two cases of it are alike. Once your doctor has eliminated other mood disorders, only then can he or she begin the correct type of treatment.

Winter Depression Light Therapy
People dealing with this seasonal disorder don't automatically exhibit all the typical symptoms, so it is very important to contact a doctor for a check up. Winter depression light therapy can help until longer days and more hours of sunlight arrive. Miraculously, the signs of this depression seem to disappear with the arrival of the beautiful days of spring and ample sunlight.