Seasonal depression .. when the seasons control the mood

Seasonal depression, or scientifically, is scientifically as a kind of psychological disorder (Seasonal Disorder – SAD), is a type of mental disorder associated with changing seasons, especially in autumn and winter. It is considered one of the cases that receive increasing attention in the medical circles, due to its direct impact on the quality of the injured life and psychological and physical health.

Symptoms often begin in late fall and intensify during the winter months, to decline with spring and increase daylight. An American study indicates that seasonal depression affects between 1% and 10% of the population depending on the geographical region, as the percentage increases in countries with a cold climate and short daytime periods. The study also showed that women are more likely to have it compared to men.
Symptoms of seasonal depression are similar to normal depression, but it has special features. The most prominent of these symptoms: a constant feeling of sadness, low energy, difficulty concentration, loss of motivation to practice usual activities, and increasing sleep hours. Likewise, research published in 2014 showed that the tendency to eat foods rich in carbohydrates and sugars is very common in people with this disorder, which leads to weight gain and the exacerbation of the psychological state. As for the causes, scientists suggest that the lack of sun exposure reduces the production of serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter associated with improving mood, and also abandoned the balance of melatonin responsible for regulating sleep. Another study here confirmed that the change in the rhythm of the body’s biological clock as a result of the short day is a key factor in the emergence of symptoms.
Fortunately, there are effective ways to deal with this disorder. Clinical studies have shown that light Therapy using special lamps that mimic sunlight is considered one of the most successful means of relieving symptoms. The exercise and exposure to sunlight whenever they can contribute to improving mood as well.
Besides, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the important means to change negative thinking patterns, while drug therapy is used with antidepressants in severe cases. Seasonal depression is evidence of the deep effect of the environment and seasons on the human psyche. While it may constitute a difficult experience, awareness of it and resorting to scientifically installed therapeutic methods helps the person overcome his symptoms and enjoy a more balanced and healthy life.

Source:
Lebanon 24 ″