Winter Depression
Winter depression is a type of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that surfaces typically as the days grow shorter and colder. Some people are very aware that each winter they get the “blues”, but, other people are not until they begin to track their mood. SAD is NOT its own diagnosis rather it is a cyclical subcomponent of one of the three following mood disorders: Major depressive disorder or Bipolar I or II disorder.
Typical symptoms of Winter Depression include:
- Social withdrawal
- sleeping excessively
- Eating excessively
- Gaining weight
- Low energy
Risk factors include:
- Being female (FOUR times more likely!)
- Living closer to the poles (IE Alaska or New England)
- Having a family history of SAD
- Being a young adult
Causes of Winter Depression
- Difficulty regulating the neurotransmitter serotonin
- Overproduction of melatonin
- Low production of Vitamin D
What Can you do to prevent Winter Depression?
- See a psychiatrist to consider medications
- Consider the use of artificial light therapy
- Consult a psychologist to start psychotherapy
- Get physical activity
- Call or chat with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline if you have suicidal thoughts
At NowPsych, we evaluate and treat all depression types, and can even see you over the phone or computer via telemedicine.
