How do you differentiate between winter depression and real depression?

Arabia Weather - During the winter, with bad weather conditions that contribute to the deterioration of mood and the emergence of depression, these feelings can develop into a condition known as “winter depression” , although the feeling of excessive sadness in this season can be the result of darkness, clouds and cold. Severe and continuous rainfall, but the persistence of these feelings could indicate actual depression that requires psychological treatment.

German psychiatrist Iris Haut points out that some individuals suffer from a bad psychological state during the winter. Due to the lack of light and the gloomy atmosphere, this condition is medically known as “seasonal affective disorder,” or “winter depression” in common parlance.

What is winter depression?

Seasonal depression is a type of mood disorder that occurs as a result of seasonal changes. It comes and goes at roughly the same times each year. If you suffer from this disorder like most people with it, you will experience symptoms that begin in the fall and continue into the winter, when you lose weight. Your strength and vitality decrease, making you vulnerable to mood swings. Usually, this depression disappears during the spring and summer months. In some rare cases, seasonal affective disorder can cause depression during the spring or early summer, and the symptoms gradually fade during the fall or winter.

This disorder occurs as a result of limited exposure to daylight, which leads to a disturbance in the hormonal balance. Lack of exposure to daylight increases the secretion of the hormone “melatonin,” which causes feelings of fatigue and lethargy.

Other symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include:

A feeling of general weakness and sadness

Experiencing a feeling of weakness, sadness, and depression on most days, often present on a daily basis.

Loss of passion for previous activities

Loss of interest and passion in performing activities that you previously enjoyed, which is reflected in your desire to practice these activities.

Feeling listless and lazy

Constant feeling of listlessness and laziness, which makes carrying out daily activities a difficult task.

Sleep problems

Facing difficulties related to sleep, such as sleep disturbances or sleeping for long periods without benefit from it.

Increased appetite and weight gain

Cravings for carbohydrates and overeating, causing weight gain.

Difficulty concentrating

Difficulty concentrating and paying attention to daily tasks effectively.

Despair and lack of self-worth

Feelings of hopelessness or lack of self-worth, and feelings of guilt for no apparent reason.

Loss of desire to live

Complete loss of the desire to live, and lack of feeling happy during daily activities.

How do you differentiate between winter depression and real depression?

To overcome winter depression, experts recommend taking a walk in the daylight for half an hour daily, as this helps the body secrete the happiness hormone “serotonin,” which enhances physical activity and improves mood. If taking a walk in the daylight is not successful in overcoming winter depression, It is best to consult a doctor, as these symptoms may indicate organic problems such as hypothyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency, or true depression.

Experts point out that these symptoms may be signs of real depression, especially if they are accompanied by extreme sadness and despair, feelings of guilt, neglect of oneself and academic or job performance, and neglect of hobbies and social relationships. In such cases, psychological treatment is necessary, and a doctor can be consulted to consider. On taking antidepressants.

Read also:

Does cold weather affect mental health?

How does a cold affect your body and mind?

Sources:

aljazeera

mayoclinic