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Seasonal Depression Can Occur in the Winter or Summer

Many people have never heard of seasonal depression. Seasonal depression is a depression that strikes a person at roughly the same time each year. Most people with seasonal depression find that they have bouts of depression during the fall and winter. This is known as winter depression. Seasonal depression can occur in the spring and summer, though it is rare. This form of seasonal depression is known as summer depression.

People who suffer from seasonal depression exhibit the usual symptoms of depression which are as follows:

• Persistent sadness
• Lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
• Loss of appetite
• Sleep problems
• Unable to concentrate
• Aches
• Pains
• Memory problems
• Helplessness
• Hopelessness
• Fatigue
• Tearful
• Irritability
• Weight loss
• Weight gain
• Guilt
• Indecisiveness
• Suicidal thoughts

People who suffer from seasonal depression in the winter may also have the following symptoms:

• Carbohydrate cravings
• Increased appetite
• Weight gain

People who suffer from seasonal depression in the summer may also have the following symptoms:

• Decrease in appetite
• Weight loss
• Insomnia or sleep problems

It is believed that approximately five percent of Americans suffer from seasonal depression. Seasonal depression is more common in women who are between the ages of 20-50. However, seasonal depression can affect anyone, even children. It appears that seasonal depression is more likely to occur in people who live in high latitudes where the changes of the seasons are more extreme. While no one knows for sure what causes seasonal depression, seeing as more people who live in high altitudes have it, it is believed to be a result of changes in the sunlight.

Light therapy often works for people who have seasonal depression. Light therapy, or phototherapy, involves the person sitting in front of a light for an extended amount of time each day. Light therapy is best done in the mornings as evening light therapy treatments may cause a person to have insomnia. If light therapy and spending more time outdoors does not help, anti depression medication may be given.

If you think that you have seasonal depression you should talk with your doctor to rule out other forms of depression. Here are some steps you can take to prevent and/or help seasonal depression once you have been diagnosed with it:

• Spend more time outdoors, even if it is cloudy.
• Start your light therapy in the early fall.
• Eat properly and get enough minerals and vitamins.
• Try to exercise at least three times per week.
• Try to socialize during the fall and winter.
• Seek professional help if you feel your seasonal depression coming back.

If you have seasonal depression and you have thoughts of suicide, seek medical help immediately.