Depression Screening Tools Article

Beating Wintertime Depression

If you find that you suffer from depression during the winter months, you are certainly not alone. More than half of everyone else in the United States and Canada also experience winter depression as well. The symptoms experienced with most people are very similar to that of animals that hibernate during the winter - lack of energy, gaining of weight, sleeping more, and even thoughts of suicide and general irritability.

There is a reason for this phenomenon, and it has to do with the fact that the days are shorter and the nights are longer during the winter months. It is generally less sunny and there is more precipitation, whether it be rain or snow. This means less opportunity to do things outdoors that you enjoy doing, and less time during daylight hours to do them. That in and of itself can be enough to depress almost anyone, but when you factor in that most people produce hormones during the day that stave off depression but are unable to do so as much during the winter because of the shorter days, and you have to wonder how there are any people left who can manage to keep from being depressed!

You are probably thinking that there is not anything you can do to make the days any longer, so how are you supposed to deal with this winter depression? Well, you cannot make the days longer, but what you can do is trick your body into thinking that they are by setting up artificial light. It is just as simple as setting up a flourescent light fixture somewhere in your home and sit near it for a couple hours each day. You will want to make sure that the bulbs you use are the type used for growing plants and flowers indoors. Since light is one of the best treatments for depression, you may find that this single tip will help you feel considerably better.

Depending on where you live, you might find yourself house-bound for the majority of the winter, with the exception of maybe leaving for work each day. Regardless, you are probably getting less exercise than you would in the summer months, and the winter weather may have even left you with no other choice than to change your daily routine. Since routines are very important for humans, it is important that you maintain one even in the winter. Sit down and think about what you can do, instead of what you cannot do, and create a routine that you can stick with.

Many people find themselves eating more comfort foods during the winter, and since they are not exercising as much, they are likely going to gain more weight in the winter. This is depressing and will do nothing to improve your mood. It is just as easy to eat healthy during the winter as it is during the summer, so do not give up on your diet just because it is cold outside. You may have to modify your healthy recipes to include foods that are in season during the winter, but it will be well worth it in the long run.

If nothing else, you need to learn how to self-soothe. The reality of the situation is that unless you live at the North Pole, winter does not last forever. If you can manage to cope for three or four months, before you know it, the sun will start shining, birds will start chirping, flowers will start blooming, and your mood will invariably improve.