The type of Depression that manifests itself with the arrival of November and can continue until March is called Seasonal Depression. Seasonal Depression is experienced entirely due to the decrease in sunlight. The most basic feature of this disorder is that its symptoms are related to the season. The rate of this disease is 4 times higher in women. The reason for this is primarily due to hormones and the fact that women are more emotional and delicate. Postpartum Depression and premenstrual depressive symptoms are examples of this hormonal change and sensitivity.
In some people, hormones work irregularly. In seasonal depression, hormones show sudden ups and downs. The Pineal Gland in our brain produces the melatonin hormone responsible for sleep. By increasing hormone production in dark environments, this gland slows down the person's movements, reduces drowsiness, makes the person sleepy and makes the person feel tired. In other words, no matter how much sleep a person has, he cannot feel rested and constantly feels the need to sleep. Since the nights are long and the days are short in winter and the sun does not show its face enough, the Pineal Gland secretes intense amounts of melatonin hormone. Therefore, the person biochemically shows symptoms of Seasonal Depression. In this context, we can say that the sun is the cure for seasonal depression.
We can explain the healing effect of the sun as follows; The light entering through the retina of our eyes and transmitted to the pineal gland through the nerves reduces the production of melatonin and increases the production of serotonin, which we know as the happiness hormone. In this way, the person feels good naturally and spiritually. The reason why we look at life with positive emotions in the summer months, feel lively, feel better, and fill ourselves with a strange joy is actually because the weather is sunny.
In addition, we can explain the effect of the seasons on our soul as follows; In autumn and winter, the weather gets colder, the leaves turn yellow and fall, the flowers fade, the plants dry up, the sky is covered with clouds, and rain and snow fall, which reminds some people of the death of nature. In this case, it is possible that the negative change in nature will be reflected in the psychological structure of the person.
It is possible for a healthy person to fall into Seasonal Depression. It is not. Because Depression is a hereditary disease, therefore there is gene transfer from previous generations in Seasonal Depression, which is a type of depression. Stress factors and biochemical changes in the body are effective in the emergence of this disease.
The symptoms are the same as those we see in normal depression, the only difference is that they occur during seasonal transitions. It shows symptoms such as the desire to do nothing, inability to enjoy life, hopelessness, pessimism, sleep and appetite disorders, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, loss of energy, weakness, tiredness, exhaustion, distraction, difficulty focusing.
Seasonal Depression. To protect from; Regular and brisk walking outdoors provides both benefit from sunlight and mental well-being, and since the body moves, physical health is also protected. Regular sports activities such as fitness, pilates, cycling, playing basketball and swimming increase the release of Endorphins in the person. Endorphin is the happiness hormone produced while exercising. Receiving education, giving training, producing and volunteering, that is, being useful, increases the release of Dopamine, which is responsible for the feeling of pleasure, and the person feels good with the pleasure of success. Choosing to live in sunny, south-facing houses prevents the formation of pessimistic feelings in the person. It is necessary to stay away from movies, songs, events, environments and news that contain negative emotions such as violence, fear and sadness. Traveling a lot and seeing different places allows you to benefit from sunlight and get natural therapy by traveling.
So, what should be done if Seasonal Depression cannot be dealt with despite everything being done to protect it?
What should be done if the bright light we call phototherapy? Light therapy technique should be used. Phototherapy is a form of treatment that uses fluorescent light with a spectrum broad enough to provide bright sunlight. So we can think of it as the light emitted by the sun on a very bright spring day. The method of application is; The fluorescent light is kept one meter away from the patient for 2 - 4 hours a day, and the patient is allowed to look at the light every minute. This treatment method provides a rapid response, but if it is stopped, its effects disappear quickly.
Seasonal Depression ten should not be taken lightly. Just as there are rules to be considered and a form of treatment for physical diseases such as diabetes, so is Seasonal Depression. This is also a mental illness and its cure is primarily sunlight.
In order to avoid Seasonal Depression, it should be your priority to never neglect going out in the sun and to love yourself.
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