The days are short, the nights are long. During the day it is often gray and gray. For many, the fall and winter is a period of depression, fatigue and irritability. In short:a winter depression. Discover everything you need to know about winter depression.
A winter depression is a seasonal depression. Although the name suggests that this form of depression only occurs in the winter, it can also affect you in the fall. This all has to do with the fact that during these two seasons there is less daylight. The weather is harsh and cold and there is less sun.
Not everyone recognizes winter depression as a real illness. In psychology, however, it is indeed a recognized disease known as SSAD (Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder). It is a mild form of depression that goes away in the spring. Although it is a mild form, its impact should not be underestimated.
Fortunately, only 8 percent of the Dutch population has a real winter depression. However, the consequences of this can have a major impact on your daily functioning. Do you suffer from fatigue, gloom and need for a lot of sleep in the autumn and winter? Then it could just be that you suffer from winter depression.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, there are other things you can recognize from winter depression. Think of the following:
Many people suffer from the above symptoms to a greater or lesser extent during the colder seasons of the year. Yet there is an essential difference between a winter blues and a winter depression. However, the big difference between a depression and a blues is that you can still function with a winter blues or an autumn dip. You do suffer from the fact that you are less energetic. In addition, things can just go a little slower.
With depression, on the other hand, you can hardly function. Moreover, this has repercussions on your social contacts. These are also difficult or impossible to keep up with in autumn and winter.
The most obvious solution is to visit a country where there is never autumn and winter 😉 Of course this is not a solution for most people, but luckily you don't have to suffer from your winter depression. There are a number of things you can do yourself to get through the autumn and winter more easily.
In the autumn and winter many people have to deal with a shortage of vitamin D. Not surprising, because there is a limited amount of daylight. You can take vitamin D supplements to prevent a deficiency. By the way, it is advisable to see a doctor before you start with this. This can check the amount of vitamin D in your blood. Based on the results, you can take the right amount of vitamin D.
Do you suffer from winter depression? Then it is advisable to follow light therapy, whether or not in consultation with your doctor. For this you get a special lamp that you have to use for 30 minutes a day. These lamps have a Lux ranging from 2,500 to 10,000. An ordinary lamp has a lux power of only 300 – 500. A remarkable difference that can make a big difference to your health.
In most cases white light is used, although blue light seems to be a lot more effective. In principle you will notice a difference after 1 – 2 weeks. So don't expect to notice anything immediately when you do light therapy.
You can of course also use a natural remedy to combat your gloomy mood and listlessness during the autumn and winter. It is a well-known herb that can be used to treat mild to severe depression. Note:Do not use this medicine in combination with light therapy. The light sensitivity increases because of St. John's wort. You should also take into account the use of medication in combination with John's herbs.
In addition to the above (dramatic) things, you can also adjust small things in your daily life to reduce the chance of winter depression.
Do you like autumn and winter less? Is everything just a little slower? Don't worry, you're probably dealing with a winter blues. Do you find that your whole life is turned upside down? Are you gloomy, despite a lot of sleep you are always tired? And even social contacts are too much? Then you probably suffer from winter depression. Have your vitamin D level checked and discuss whether light therapy is useful. Do not stay indoors. Exercise and try to be outside as much as possible.
Do you suffer from winter depression or is it limited to a winter blues?
