The seasonal depression is related to the hormone of melatonin, which reacts to the reduction of sunlight.
This type of depression, which occurs in autumn and winter, is more common in women; Learn to identify the symptoms
Have you heard of seasonal depression? This disease, which is also known as the seasonal emotional disorder (TAS), occurs with a greater impact in autumn and winter, months in which we are less exposed to sunlight. For this reason, symptoms can slow down in spring and summer, when the days are warmer and longer.
Seasonal depression does not have a unique cause, but science has already discovered that a reduction in sunlight can cause an imbalance in melatonin, a hormone regular sleep. At high levels, this hormone can cause sleepiness and lethargy. A second factor that influences the emergence of depressive symptoms is the decrease in serotonin, the neurotransmitter that balances the mood. In less clear and therefore colder months, the level of serotonin in the brain tends to lower.
More common in women
Other data: studies indicate that seasonal depression is more common in women and can influence teenagers and young adults most frequent (18-30 years). Other patients who could develop the disease are those who suffer from anxious disorders.
Sadness x depression
For the psychiatrist Maria Claudine Cheim of the hospitals of San Camilo in San Paolo, it is important to establish the differences between sadness and depression to seek medical help at the right time. “Sadness is a normal and expected emotion, especially in difficult situations, moments of mourning, greater anxiety. Even intense, it is fleeting: you can remain functional and experiment with joy. That is, it is part of human experience,” he says.
Depression has a much wider impact on the patient’s life. “This is a mental disorder that goes far beyond common sadness, since it involves changes in neurotransmission and brain functioning,” explains the doctor.
How to identify?
Having changes in mood as the change in the seasons is a common event. We can feel more motivated in summer and spring and more reserved in winter and autumn. However, when some symptoms begin to interrupt everyday life, attention must be doubled.
In practice, how do these symptoms manifest themselves? You can stop doing basic or important things, such as studying or carrying out professional tasks. You could also feel insulating or spaced activities that once have given pleasure. Other suggestive symptoms are sudden changes in sleep and food habits: sleep much more or become insomnia; or eat less or more than before, without an apparent cause.
“In the case of the seasonal emotional disorder, it is common to realize that these symptoms appear or worsen especially in autumn and winter, due to the lesser incidence of sunlight. If the model repeats itself every year and begins to damage its routine, it is worth looking for professional help”, recommends the psychiatrist Maria Claudine Cheim.
Aerobic exercise
The treatment for seasonal depression includes drugs and psychotherapy. Another auxiliary resource are physical activities. “There is solid evidence that regular aerobic exercise contributes to the feeling of well -being and helps to improve mood with proven antidepressant effects,” says the expert.
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.
