Treating Seasonal Depression This Winter

Seasonal depression (also known as SAD) is a serious mental health concern impacting men and women across the country. Often starting during adulthood, it’s believed that seasonal depression is due to the limited sunlight and shorter days of fall and winter causing a chemical reaction in the brain. It can also be related to an increase in melatonin levels, a sleep-related hormone. The body naturally produces more melatonin when it’s dark so it’s easy to see how only having a few hours of sunlight each day can lead to a melatonin overload. 

There are two different types of SAD. The first is known as fall-onset or winter depression. It begins in the late fall to early winter and tends to ease up during the summer months. The second, and much less common, type of SAD is spring-onset, also known as summer depression. This usually begins in late spring or early summer. Women between the ages of 18 and 30 are most at risk of experiencing SAD. 

There can be a variety of symptoms linked with seasonal depression including increased sleep and daytime drowsiness, social withdrawal, a loss of interest in activities, anxiety, fatigue, weight gain, increased appetite, and headaches. 

Although these symptoms may seem serious, treating seasonal depression is relatively straightforward. Exposure to sunlight, light therapy, and an increase in Vitamin D can all help ease the symptoms related to seasonal depression. Here at Eagle Highland, we are happy to carry a wide variety of Vitamin D supplements to help you get over the winter blues.  You can find a full list of them here or stop by the pharmacy today!