Depression and Shorter Days
When the days get shorter and colder many people report feeling down in the dumps. They don’t quite have that extra bounce in their step that they did during the warm, long, sunlit days of summer. Some don’t take this phenomenon seriously believing it to be a product of working too hard or not getting enough rest. But could there be medical reason for this phenomenon? Could there be a more serious condition hidden behind the curtain?
While an occasional bout with mild winter depression is normal more intense frequent encounters are not, and could be signs of a common condition known as seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder or SAD for short is characterized by recurring episodes of depression that usually begin around October and persist until February or March.
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression whose symptoms include withdrawal from normal activities, fatigue, oversleeping, and overeating. This casts of characters promote what I refer to as snowball symptoms or in other words the symptoms created by the condition that actually make the condition worse over time. As spring comes upon us and the days start to lengthen SAD symptoms gradually dissipate in most people. However, in others with seasonal affective disorder, when spring springs, there may be a rapid swing to symptoms that are almost opposite of those experienced during the winter, such as increased energy and involvement in activities, decreased need for sleep, and decreased appetite.
Depression brought about by shorter days is generally considered to be an imbalance in the production of the pineal gland hormone melatonin. Phototherapy (light therapy) and/or conventional behavioral therapy are the approach most often used in the treatment of this type of depression.
Light therapy for depression has become a very popular treatment option in recent years. Studies generally show that this form of treatment work better than no treatment and placebos.
There are three simple reasons for its new found popularity:
*It works fast (sometimes within seven days)
*It has fewer side effects than most prescription medications
*It is generally considered inexpensive when compared to multiple behavioral therapy sessions or prescription medications.
In summary, the subject of depression and shorter days is in many ways an area of gray rather than black and white. What we do know is that hormone imbalances in the brain cause depression and lack of sunlight can both induce and amplify depressive symptoms.
Additionally, many of those suffering with seasonal affective disorder are choosing to combine light therapy with natural herbal solutions in their quest to overcome depression. These all natural depression remedies are very safe and have been found to be an effective way of proportioning both mental and emotional health. If you have been searching for a natural solution for mild to moderate depression this is an option worth considering.
R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of alternative natural health products and supplements with over 10 years experience. To learn more about homeopathic natural health visit Purchase Remedies.com.