Winter Depression

Hello and welcome back,

Todays topic is a bit more heavier than normal. But I wanted to take my time to talk about a type of depression. The seasonal depression. The reason for it is simpel. Here in the Netherlands sunny days are a blessing, we often have rainy and cloudy days. So when it is winter a lot of people will have a shortage of sunlight. Since the sun does provide us with different benefits, like vitamine d etc. What happens in the winter is that most will have a general dip in their overal mood and happiness. But for some this can cause them to spiral in a depression. I personally can sometimes really struggle in autumn and winter season. Hence why they are my least favourite.

So now you know a bit about the why and how of a seasonal depression. But what are the signs? And are there things you can do against it?? Curious?? Just keep on reading.

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What is a depression

A depression is a serious mental illness that negatively effect how you feel and sometimes act. It can lead to lost in activities you normally would love and enjoy. It can have various emotional and physical effects, which decreases your ability to function normally at any common situation.

Symptoms

I already shared a few symptoms, but here is a list with even more of them.

• Feeling sad and in a depressed mood.
• Lost of interest in activities
• Change in appetite (weight gain or loss)
• Trouble sleeping and fatigue
• Feeling worthless
• Difficulty thinking and making decisions
• Thoughts of suicide/death and selfharm

To get the diagnose of a depression most of the symptoms need to be present at least two whole weeks and represent a change in your behavior.

Weird fact, woman are more likely to have a depression than men. Doesn’t mean you as man are immune to it.

Treatment

Often for treatment of a depression it is not just one clear way to go. And often it is a combination of factors that help someone battle and win it.

Here is a list of different treatments:

• Exercise: this can be a 10 minute walk each day or a full fitness work out.
• Talking: talking about your feelings help. If it’s a friend or a professional.
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) : its about breaking this mental thought cycle and changing it.
• Interpersonal therapy (IT): The focus on different types of persons in your life and there relationship with you.
• Anti-depressants: Medication to treat the symptoms of a depression.
• Meditation and mindfulness: paying attention to the present and focus on your thoughts, feelings and body sensations.
• Brainstimulation: this is a course of treatment that is only used is more extreme cases or if nothing else seems to help.

If we talk about seasonal depression and lack of sunlight something they can even advice you to do is go under a tanning bed, to get those health benefits that you would normally get from sunlight. This can improve overal mood.

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If you struggle yourself or you know someone who struggles. Never be afraid to ask for help. You just might save a life.

On a more positive note, thank you everyone for your support and just overal interaction. It really warms my heart.

Lots of hugs,

Rosa-Lynn