Suite101

Fall And Winter Depression


© Dena Lambert

The first official day of Fall is only a couple of weeks away and Winter will follow close on its heels. Visions of the changing seasons evident in the colors of the Fall foliage and the formations of the birds flying south. This time of year can be beautiful, unless you are among the many who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Seasonal Affective Disorder goes beyond the "winter blahs" just like Post Partum Depression (PPD) is the extreme the "baby blues." The symptoms of SAD are very similar to those of generalized depression.

Symptoms may include any of the following:

    headaches
    anxiety
    difficulty concentrating
    crying jags
    loss of energy
    irritability
    loss of interest in sex
    sleep difficulties
    overreating
    weight gain

The main difference between generalized depression and SAD is the timing of the symptoms. Depression can strike at any time and for no apparent reason. SAD occurs in the fall and winter months when the days are shorter and people are exposed to less sunshine. The occurence of SAD is more likely to afflict those who live in the Northern United States (or anywhere in the northern latitudes). People in southern areas also suffer from SAD but the numbers are considerably smaller.

The causes of SAD are not entirely clear but there are some generic factors that seem to contribute to its onset -heredity, stress, body chemistry and limited exposure to natural sun light.

Treatment is primarily phototherapy which is indoor exposure to a special lamp. Psychotherapy or antidepressants can be used alone or in combination with light therapy to help someone with overcome SAD.

If you have experienced depression in the winter months and feel fine during the spring and summer months, then you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder. This isn't something you can just get over on your own ... it will come back every year. As with any type of depression, there is no shame in asking for help. Talk to your doctor ... you'll be glad you did!

Go To Page: 1


The copyright of the article Fall And Winter Depression in Female Depression is owned by Mari Brodersen. Permission to republish Fall And Winter Depression in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo