The expert explains how the lack of sun in winter can impact mental health and recommends the necessary care during this period
Do you have the impression that? becomes sadder and less motivated on cold daysor even just cloudy? Do you feel like everything seems less exciting in winter? Then you are not alone! Low temperatures really do have an impact on people’s moods and in some cases can even interfere with mental health.
So much so that there is the call seasonal depressionwhich is what appears from time to time, in specific periods. And, according to Dr. Renata Nayara Figueiredo, a psychiatrist and member of the Brazilian Psychiatric Association, the specific causes of this type of depression can vary.
“This could be a drop in serotonin levels, as well as changes in melatonin and vitamin D levels. All of this has a direct impact, for example, on people’s mood and the quality of their sleep,” she explains.
Contrary to popular belief, however, it is not the cold that causes the feeling of sadness. The relationship between winter and mental health is more closely linked to the lower incidence of sunlight during this period. “Seasonal depression can also occur due to a change in the person’s internal clock, which leads to feelings of sadness and discouragement,” says the specialist.
Necessary care
Both to avoid the harmful effects of winter on mental health and to try to reduce them if they have already appeared, it is necessary to take some precautions. After all, although seasonal depression is less frequent in Brazil than in other countries, because it has a tropical climate, it can still have consequences for people.
“It is recommended to cultivate more positive thoughts, practice physical activity, maintain a social life, try to have a balanced diet, expose yourself to more sunlight when possible and maintain a sleep routine. Also, avoid or reduce the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and other drugs,” explains Dr. Renata.
It is also important to keep an eye on possible symptoms so that you can seek help if they appear. Since the symptoms of seasonal depression are the same as those of common depression, treatment is also the same.
“It includes both the traditional part, which may include antidepressants, therapy and physical activity, as well as phototherapy with artificial light and vitamin D replacement,” concludes the psychiatrist.
Source: Health in the day
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
