A milder form of this type of depression is more commonly referred to as winter depression, winter blues, cabin fever or hibernation reaction. While winter depression can be uncomfortable, the condition is not unbearable.

The classic symptoms of winter depression include fatigue, oversleeping, carbohydrate craving, weight gain, lack of sex drive, and sometimes even hopelessness, social withdrawal and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms are similar to those of SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder – but not as severe.

Winter depression usually begins in late fall or early winter and generally disappears by the summer (begins in October or November and subsides in March or April). It frequently affects people living in the northern geographic regions. People with winter depression are affected by the changes in environmental light such as overcast weather or dim lighting which worsens their depression.

Winter is not the only season responsible for mood slumps - a less common type of Seasonal Affective disorder is called summer depression and it usually begins in late spring or early summer and goes away by winter.

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• Weight gain
• A change in appetite (carbohydrate and sweet craving)
• A heavy feeling in the arms or legs
• Physical ailments such as body aches, constipation, diarrhea
• Low energy levels
• Fatigue
• A tendency to sleep for longer periods
• Loss of sex drive
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability and anxiety
• Hopelessness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Crying spells
• Increased sensitivity to social rejection
• Social withdrawal

Common symptoms of Summer Depression include the following:

• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Sleep Disorders (such as Insomnia)
• Irritability
• Crying spells
• Trouble concentrating

SAD affects approximately half a million people in the United States. It is more common in women than in men. People living in the northern and southern hemisphere are also affected, although SAD is more common in the northern geographic countries where the winter day is shorter. This disorder tends to begin in people between the age of 20 and 40. It may also affect children and teenagers. The risk of SAD decreases as adults become older.

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Conventional Therapy

Conventional drugs for the treatment of SAD include antidepressant medication such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil or Celexa. While these may be beneficial in the short term, many long term effects are unknown.

In addition, side effects often include insomnia, reduced sex drive, weightgain, headaches and other symptoms, while withdrawal symptoms when stopping these drugs are frequently reported.

Psychotherapy

Counseling and cognitive-behavioral therapy can be very helpful and provide support during the difficult months as well as help with lifestyle changes.

Complementary Therapy

• Light therapy (phototherapy) requires you to sit in front of a light box or special lamp that is 10 to 20 times brighter than ordinary indoor lights for approximately 30 minutes each day.
• Massage
• Diet rich in fruit and vegetables

Natural Remedies

There are a number of natural and holistic remedies that are better suited for the body than conventional medicine and can provide an answer on how to beat seasonal depression. Herbal and homeopathic remedies can provide harmony in the body to better balance your moods and feelings without the side effects and potential for dependency associated with the synthetic drugs.

Some commonly recommended herbal remedies for SAD include St. John’s Wort, Passiflora and Skullcap. There are also a number of homeopathic remedies which can be of benefit depending on symptoms and constitutional makeup. Some studies have suggested that certain fragrances are also effective in lifting mood.

Aromatherapy essential oils of lemon, grapefruit and geranium are well known for their anti-depressant properties and may be introduced into the environment by means of oil diffusers, space sprays, in a bath oil or during massage.

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If you are wondering how to beat seasonal depression, here are some tips to help you cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder:

• Allow more natural sunlight into your day by spending time outdoors, keeping the curtains or blinds open and decorating your space with bright, cheerful colors
• Eat a well balanced diet
• Exercise regularly, specifically outdoors if possible, by jogging, walking, cycling or playing golf. Studies have shown that one hour in the winter sunlight can lift your spirits
• Take a winter vacation in a sunny location
• Stop negative thoughts and try to develop a positive outlook that you are going to enjoy winter
• Incorporate more laughter into your life – it is said to release the chemical, dopamine into the brain which counteracts SAD
• Surround yourself with supportive friends and family
• Minimize stress by practicing deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga or pilates
• Do things you enjoy such as reading, listening to music, shopping, painting or cooking
• Seek counseling or psychotherapy

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