Have you noticed yourself feeling blue lately? You might be suffering from "winter depression." There's a reason people seem to be so much happier in the summertime. Longer summer days and shorter nights helps to fight off the disease known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Affecting 12 million people, this state of depression-like sadness is related to a chemical imbalance of too much melatonin (sleepy chemical) and too little serotonin (happy chemical) in the brain.
SAD causes symptoms such as fatigue, oversleeping, low energy, lack of concentration and food cravings that ultimately lead to weight gain. Many people find they simply feel depressed during specific seasons, usually winter, and the feeling completely subsides at other times of the year. In the worst cases, doctors prescribe antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy.
How Does SAD/Depression Affect Your Health?
As if being in a constant state of sadness isn't bad enough, being depressed can really take a toll on your health.
1. Depression increases risk of heart attack, heart disease and stroke. It also has been known to make those already fighting heart diseases worse.
2. Depression increases your risk for overweight/obesity. It's no question that people often use eating to cope with their emotional issues. Too many comfort foods and too little activity can eventually lead to obesity and put one at major risk for comordbidities like high cholesterol, trigylcerides, increased risk for stroke and Type II Diabetes.
3. Depression can decrease your mental capabilities. Here's one that you probably didn't know: Chronic depression actually decreases brain capacity due to shrinkage in certain areas of the brain and has been linked to the development of Alzheimers.
4. People who are depressed are more likely to abuse dangerous substances such as alcohol, drugs and cigarettes. Different drugs and substance abuse habits all have their own negative effects on the body, but they each play major roles in further disease development. Not to mention, of course, we put ourselves at risk when our mind and judgment are altered. Specifically with drinking, depression and alcoholism can become a vicious cycle due to the after affects of this depressant. Drinking alcohol can make even the happiest person feel low the next day, so those who are already depressed are taken even deeper into this unhappy state.
5. Depression in cancer patients often leads to recurrence. At least 1 out of every 4 cancer patients also faces depression. As depression increases in cancer patients, so does the rate of tumor growth and the likelihood of death. Those who are able to keep a more positive mindset were more likely to not only defeat it but avoid recurrence in the future.
6. Depression leads to chronic pain. People with chronic depression are more likely to experience chronic migraines and other issues like fibromyalgia, muscle pain and fatigue.
7. Depression increases risk for suicide. The most dangerous side effect of the disease, suicide increases in those with chronic depression. Substance abuse typically makes this worse.
So what can you do?
Consume a diet high in plants. People are 16% less likely to develop depression by consuming a diet high in plants, whole grains and fish Fighting bad mood is just one more reason it's so important to include high-nutrient foods in our diet.
Exercise. Not only is physical activity a free, nutural mood booster, it also makes us happier in the long run when we start seeing the results of our hard work!
Get outside as much as you can. Not an option? You can also purchase a specialty designed light box to place on your desk that allows for a boost of more natural light throughout winter months.
Find things that bring you joy! Open the blinds in your house, play your favorite music, and laugh and spend time with loved ones.
Question of the Morning:
What do you do when you're feeling blue in the winter time??
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