What is Seasonal Depression and How Can You Overcome It: Başögretmen

What to Do to Prevent Depression

We have researched for you what seasonal depression is, which you experience every year without fail, and what measures you can take against this situation… As the days get shorter and the cold sets in during the winter months, we start to feel unhappy and tired. Our desire to work decreases, and our work efficiency declines. Moreover, we continue to experience this at the same time every year. But don't worry, just as every condition has been diagnosed, our name has been given to this state of unwillingness and lethargy: Seasonal depression! Mood plunges that occur at specific periods of the year, for which no life event is cited as a cause, are defined as seasonal depression. First brought up in 1984 as "Seasonal Affective Disorder," seasonal depression has taken its place in the psychiatric classification system since 1987. Like other types of depression, seasonal depression manifests with symptoms such as lack of desire, fatigue, and an increase in carbohydrate consumption. However, unlike other types of depression, it is accompanied by an increase in sleep needs and appetite.

Points to Consider

Although we encounter symptoms of seasonal depression in the spring months, the decrease in daylight in the fall leads to the manifestation of depression symptoms more severely during this period. As daylight decreases, the level of melatonin in the brain increases, while the level of serotonin decreases. The increase in melatonin triggers the need for sleep, and the decrease in serotonin leads to weakness and fatigue. Depending on the person's situation and environment, symptoms related to seasonal depression can intensify or decrease. One of the first methods used in the treatment of seasonal depression is phototherapy. In this method, the person is exposed to a light source for certain periods by mimicking daylight. This way, serotonin and melatonin levels in the brain are brought to the desired level. Depending on the severity of the depression, drug treatment can also be applied. With the prerequisite of consulting your doctor, you can also apply the following measures against seasonal depression:

-Take 30-minute walks outdoors on sunny days.

-Exercise regularly.

-Try to drink plenty of water.

-In agreement with your doctor, take supportive vitamins and minerals.

-Stay away from toxic substances during this period.

Remember, not every seasonal depression may get better on its own. In studies conducted worldwide, it is stated that 30-40% of the population experiences this period merely as a difficult mood, while 5% experience this depression at a disease level. Therefore, if you experience severe depression, be sure to consult your doctor and do not stay away from daylight…