Winter depression

Especially in the cold months Winter depression in the whole world. Because more and more people are reacting with emotional suffering to those times when sun and warmth are few and far between and gray sadness reigns. However, these symptoms are more likely to be assigned to temporary weather sensitivity and usually do not indicate winter depression.

What is winter depression?

In the Winter depression it is a mental disorder. It is usually preceded by a lack of sunlight. In this respect, according to its name, the disease does not only occur in the cold season. Rather, the winter depression can also be observed in autumn or spring.

Symptoms are sometimes noticed even in a cold, wet and cloudy summer. During winter depression, the body reacts to external circumstances and literally relates the foggy and rainy weather and the cloudy environment to its own soul.

In contrast, the winter depression is seasonally limited. The suffering usually eases by itself when the warm months approach. Nevertheless, the winter depression should be examined by a doctor and, if necessary, accompanied therapeutically.

causes

The causes of the Winter depression are not conclusively clarified. A change in the daily rhythm is often assumed here: Especially those who have had regular working hours for many years and suddenly work in different cycles often suffer from winter depression.

In other cases the organism produces less melatonin due to the low level of sunlight - the body can also react to this with tiredness, weakness or self-doubt in the winter depression. For some people, however, the biorhythm works differently: They become less active in winter and feel the suffering even on minor occasions such as stress or problems.

Winter depression can therefore have different causes and should necessarily be treated by a doctor. Because only he can ultimately suggest the right therapy for winter depression.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

Winter depression is a seasonally occurring depressive mood. It contemplates the typical symptoms of clinical depression, usually in a weakened form. In contrast to clinical depression, winter depression is favored by the persistent lack of light in the dark season. Therefore, the symptoms disappear again with the lighter months of the year. Nevertheless, the symptoms can be a burden and require treatment.

Depressive moods that can be traced back to difficult life situations, personal crises or acute problems are normal. The gloomy mind and attendant behaviors such as social withdrawal or lethargy disappear when the problems are resolved.

In the winter depression caused by a lack of light, accompanying symptoms such as lack of drive, lack of energy and imbalance can occur. Those affected have a depressed mood. They are often irritable and sleep poorly. Sometimes social contacts are neglected, and occasionally caring for oneself. There may be an increased need for rest and sleep. The tiredness just won't go away.

People affected by winter depression feel limp and depressed for weeks. If these symptoms lead to serious consequences, the person concerned should take appropriate countermeasures. Alternatively, he may consider going to the family doctor and requesting medical treatment. Most people are pretty good at assessing the symptoms of their winter depression as it occurs every year.

Diagnosis & course

The Winter depression is usually evident for the first time in the transition phase between summer and autumn: the beginning dark time is registered with displeasure. Those affected by winter depression are tired and shy away from leaving the house.

The person suffering from the disease reacts to the smallest of challenges with despair, and takes on tasks and duties less and less. Winter depression can range to the point of suicidal ideation or even execution at its worst. In the literal darkness, the person concerned can no longer see any way out.

In this respect, the first symptoms of winter depression should already be registered. Because not only the patient himself, but also his entire environment feel the effects of the winter depression.

Complications

Winter depression must be treated like any other depression. If the mental ailment is not worked up and treated with medication, this can lead to the depression persisting into the spring and summer months. Affected people are at an increased risk of developing major depression.

This is usually connected with further psychological complaints, and in general the sick suffer from the reduced quality of life and the lack of well-being. Possible consequences are sleep disorders, which in turn lead to persistent exhaustion and make your mood even worse. Thoughts of suicide sometimes arise which, in the worst case scenario, result in a suicide attempt.

If those affected are not supported by relatives or doctors, chronic depression will develop in the long term, with all of its serious emotional and physical consequences. Apart from the side effects of the medication administered, the treatment does not involve any major risks. However, talk therapy can temporarily worsen mood and occasionally cause panic attacks.

Light therapy can make antidepressants or antipsychotics more effective. In addition, headaches, reddening of the skin and burning eyes can occur. In private use, an unsuitable device can cause serious eye damage.

When should you go to the doctor?

Since the symptoms of winter depression can vary in severity, it is often difficult for those affected to know when to see a doctor or therapist. Depression is when the symptoms persist for more than two weeks. So this is a good time to see a doctor. However, medical advice can be recommended beforehand - for example, if severe symptoms such as suicidality occur.

Winter depression can impair performance at work and in everyday life. Since depression is a recognized illness, sick leave may be an option to reduce psychological stress. The right person to contact in this case is the family doctor, as otherwise many of those affected would have to wait a long time for an appointment with a specialist or psychotherapist. In addition, a family doctor can rule out some other causes of the symptoms.

Winter depression does not always cross the line to major depression or dysthymia. However, a milder depressive mood can also be a personal burden. People who suffer from depressive moods (almost) every year or for long periods of time can therefore also consult a doctor or psychotherapist. In addition to treating acute symptoms, naturopaths, therapists and doctors can also help those affected to develop strategies to prevent winter depression.

Treatment & Therapy

Treatment of the Winter depression takes place both medically and with talk therapy. In the latter, the real causes are determined. Because it is not uncommon for people to experience winter depression who suffer from fears or unfulfilled wishes very early on. In addition, it is important to limit the weather sensitivity with drugs.

This can be done on the one hand by pouring out feelings of happiness, but on the other hand also with a limitation of negative perceptions. Especially with the weaker symptoms of winter depression, it is advisable to visit the tanning salon once a week and to exercise more frequently in the fresh air. The first signs can already be treated with it.

If that is not enough, the winter depression must be accompanied by a doctor. Special light therapy can also be prescribed here. In serious cases in which there is a fear of suicide, inpatient treatment for winter depression is essential.

In the ideal case, the person affected therefore seeks the doctor or psychologist at an early stage in the event of constantly recurring ailments and thus ensures a gentle and quick recovery from the winter depression.

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prevention

Of the Winter depression can be prevented through a regular daily routine, sufficient exercise in the fresh air, through sporting activities, a vitamin-rich diet and variety. Only when the body sinks into lethargy and self-pity is this procedure no longer sufficient. In this case, a medical assessment of the winter depression would be advisable in any case.

Aftercare

Winter depression is a seasonal affective disorder. It occurs in the winter months and is caused by the lack of light during this time of the year. Follow-up care is only possible to a limited extent, as this form of depression subsides again in spring. However, in the course of follow-up care, a manifestation of the symptoms and thus the development of permanent depression can be prevented.

Winter depression is often treated with follow-up care by a psychotherapist. A general practitioner can also be consulted because depression is easy for family doctors to diagnose. With follow-up care, those affected learn to deal with the disease appropriately. Here, aftercare is ultimately a preventive measure: medical advice should begin in autumn at the latest, before the winter depression develops.

The winter lack of sunlight lowers the vitamin D level in the blood, which triggers or worsens winter depression. Taking vitamin preparations can counteract the deficiency. Red light irradiation can also compensate for the lack of light.

In addition to the winter depression, acute crisis situations can occur in parallel. If the condition of the person concerned worsens unexpectedly, the attending physician is a suitable contact person. In such a situation he can professionally care for the sick person and intervene.

You can do that yourself

Depending on the extent and duration of the winter depression, there may well be difficulties in coping with everyday life. In addition to medical treatment, those affected can actively contribute to an improvement in symptoms themselves.

A healthy and balanced diet consisting of various vitamins, proteins, minerals and complex carbohydrates is important. We recommend dishes made from fruit, vegetables, fish, chicken, pulses, nuts and potatoes. Highly sugary sweets and snacks with refined starches such as white flour should be avoided, especially in the case of food cravings. As a support, it is recommended to take high-dose vitamin D in the form of drops.

Another measure for self-help with winter depression is exercise in the open air. Those affected should get as much sunlight as possible. Half an hour of gardening or short walks can improve the condition significantly. For elderly or physically disabled people, it is advisable to sit on the balcony or by the open window for a long time. Basically, those affected by winter depression should try to be as active as possible and pursue various activities. For many patients, self-treatments using infrared lamps and light therapy lamps are also helpful. These lead to an improvement in the symptoms, especially in acute cases.