Seasonal depression is not just a temporary mood deterioration, but a serious problem that can effectively hinder everyday functioning. In psychology, it is called seasonal affective disorder. Disturbances appear in the fall and disappear only in the spring. Fall depression is more common in women than men, but it can also affect children.
As you can guess, the main symptom of this condition is a depressed mood and malaise, starting in October or November. The statement that we are dealing with seasonal depression must be supported by the fact that the disorders appear over a period of two years and their duration is at least half a month.
Basic autumn depression symptoms have:
- attention deficit disorder,
- Prolonged feeling of sadness, depression,
- unreasonable fear,
- Somnolence,
- Sometimes feeling worse physically.
The reasons for this are usually weather conditions, associated with less access to sunlight and a drop in temperature. After a period of usually sunny summer, the body cannot switch to functioning in a new, gloomier season. In the old days, people limited their activities in the autumn and winter, but today, readiness to operate at full capacity is required throughout the year.
Ways to treat autumn depression
Among the healing methods recommended phototherapyi.e. irradiating the face with fluorescent lamps, which causes an increased production of hormones affecting the mood, including serotonin responsible for the sense of happiness. In some situations, however, psychotherapy or taking antidepressants is also necessary.
You can also take care of improving your mood in the autumn-winter period by carefully observing your reactions and implementing appropriate measures to prevent your malaise from getting worse. One of the better ways is to transfer the summer vacation to, for example, September or October. Trip to warm countrywhere the sun is still shining, will recharge your batteries for the next time. It is also important to avoid conflict situations and stress which will help to plan tasks and not postpone them for later. At the same time, you need to take care of your free time after work, which you will spend in a pleasant way, detached from problems, and regular performance of tasks will help in this.
Other methods:
- Sports – and broadly understood movement. Walking, dancing, yoga, cycling, swimming or aerobics. All this will stimulate the secretion of endorphins, so bet on the type of movement you like the most and force your body to act.
- Aromatherapy – add drops of lavender or bergamot essential oil to a bath or candle and you will feel relaxed in no time. Aromatherapy is a great way to relax and relieve depression.
- Cryotherapy – i.e. a few moments of exposure to low temperatures below 100 degrees, which oxygenates the cells and improves circulation.