Facts About Seasonal Depression

If you've ever had a case of the winter blues or if you've ever found yourself feeling down as the winter months stretch out, then chances are you've been a sufferer of seasonal depression at one time or another. While not usually serious, there are instances where seasonal depression has been so severe that hospitalization has been required. By learning about how seasonal depression affects people, we can better prevent and treat it.

Causes

The most common cause of seasonal depression is the lack of light in the wintertime. Part of the theory behind this disorder is that the lack of light slows down the internal clock that regulates many of the body's moods, sleep patterns, and so on. Because of this, seasonal depression is more common in the northern United States, where days are shorter, than in the lower latitudes where more sun is received.

Treatment

One of the most effective treatments for seasonal depression is the use of light therapy. In light therapy, a person is exposed to a very bright fluorescent light for a set period of time each day, exposed to the brightness while relaxing or eating a meal. Although light therapy has been shown to be effective in treating seasonal depression, though, patients often complain that the treatments, though done at home, are inconvenient, and sometimes discontinue that treatment. Light therapy is most effective in the evening, and is probably best used after the sun goes down.

Prevention

Unsurprisingly, one of the best ways to prevent seasonal depression is to increase your exposure to light. By getting outside a little each day, even when it's cloudy, the light will help you to feel better and less depressed. Researchers also suggest using light therapy before seasonal depression sets, ensuring that you never start to feel the symptoms of the disorder.

Other preventative measures are similar to those used to treat other forms of depression. For instance, 30 minutes of exercise a few days a week will keep you healthy and feeling better. Exercise is important because it's tied to self-image, to helping your body regulate your systems better, and because it creates endorphins that give a natural sort of high after exercise.

Another way to help prevent seasonal depression is to ensure that you have activities that get you out of the house and with friends. One of the problems with this disorder is that it often makes people want to withdraw and stay inside their homes, which merely makes the problem worse. By working to combat seasonal depression, however, you will find yourself feeling better during those long winter months.

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