What is summer depression?
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that occurs every year in autumn and winter when the days get shorter. Generally, as the days begin to lengthen in spring and summer, the complaints of individuals with seasonal depression improve. However, there is also a blizzard that sometimes occurs in spring and summer. Summer depression is rare compared to winter depression. Although the causes of summer depression, which has a prevalence of 1%, are not known for sure, genetic factors, stress-related factors, a depressive process caused by a traumatic event in the past may be remembered at the same periods every year, leading to seasonal depression. Research conducted in recent years shows that depression will also occur in the summer due to biological effects (such as low secretion of the melatonin hormone) and psychological factors.
Seasonal affective disorders are 4 times more common in women than in men. . In addition, what we observe most in the clinic, especially in summer depression as in major depression, is that people underestimate the illness by seeing it as a temporary depression. We can compare the process of depression to making a salad with a broken arm. The person continues his life with a reduced quality of life, but if this situation is not treated, it turns into a process that negatively affects the functionality of the person's life.
What are the symptoms of summer depression?
Summer depression, which is a cyclical and seasonal condition, means that the symptoms begin and end at the same periods every year.
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Anxiety (Worry, worry)
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Sleep problems, insomnia (insomnia)
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Hypersensitivity, irritability
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Agitation
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Weight loss
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Lack of appetite
In summer depression, a person may not be able to enjoy life. He/she has difficulty in attention and concentration. The person is no longer interested in the things that made him happy in the past. Fatigue, exhaustion, loss of energy, loss of motivation, sexual reluctance, sleep disturbance, excessive sensitivity, emotionality, impatience, loss of appetite, weight loss or weight gain due to excessive appetite. � can be seen. This situation can lead to introversion, aggression, finding life worthless, and suicidal thoughts.
Disruption of the circadian rhythm (biological clock) can lead to depressive feelings due to the increased time spent awake. In addition, the decrease in the level of serotonin in our body and especially the disruption of the balance of the hormone that regulates sleep, which we call the melatonin hormone, may be among the reasons that trigger summer depression.
For the above reasons, attention should be paid to regular and quality sleep in the summer months. If possible, 20 minutes of brisk walking 4 days a week is recommended as it increases the endorphin level in the body. It is also very important to eat healthy and regularly during the summer months.
For the diagnosis and treatment of summer depression, it is important to be evaluated by a mental health specialist. Psychotherapy and medication are used during the treatment process.
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