10 Causes of Winter Depression in Women

Winter depression in women is not just words that are said, but rather a reality that many women live in silence.

If you feel that the winter season is like a thick cloud hiding happiness and hope from your sky, you lose vitality and sink into distress and fatigue as drowning in endless depths of darkness and sadness…

You definitely suffer from winter depression!

So in this article, we will learn about this seasonal disorder, which goes beyond just feeling sad or depressed.

Together, we will explore the hidden symptoms of winter depression in women, how it affects their lives, and most importantly, how it can be dealt with and overcome. So, follow with us.

What is Winter Depression

Winter depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of mood disorder that comes and goes with the changing seasons of the year, and it has a greater impact on women than men. This type of depression is known to appear during the winter months in cold regions far from the equator

For example, in the United States, about 5% of women are affected by winter depression; Due to the long winter period and the short daylight hours during this period.

This type is also known by other names, such as major depression with a seasonal pattern, seasonal mood disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.

This disorder often affects women in their teens, up to the age of thirty, and is less common in the elderly. Symptoms of winter depression usually appear at the beginning of fall and continue until the end of winter.

Winter Depression in Women Symptoms

The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are similar to those of general depression, with the main difference being that the symptoms appear as winter approaches and go away in the spring.

Symptoms are usually mild as fall progresses and daylight hours begin to shorten. The severity, characteristics, and patterns of seasonal depression vary greatly from person to person.

These symptoms include:

• Excessive anxiety beyond normal.
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness.
• Stress and irritation.
• Difficulties in making decisions.
• Decreased concentration.
• Constantly low mood.
• Decreased sexual desire.
• Disturbed activity such as hesitation.
• Crying often without a specific motive.
• Feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
• Sleeping for long periods.
• Increased appetite.
• Social withdrawal and decreased interest in activities that previously provided pleasure.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Overeating and possible weight gain.
• Suicidal thoughts.

Some people experience these symptoms during the summer instead of the winter, and they disappear with the onset of winter.

However, the most common cases of seasonal depression occur during the winter months.

When Should You Contact the Doctor?

If you feel depressed, exhausted, and stressed at the same time every year, and these feelings seem to be seasonal, you may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

So it’s important to talk openly with your doctor about how you’re feeling and follow his or her recommendations about lifestyle changes and treatment.

If your doctor recommends phototherapy, ask if the clinic provides phototherapy devices for patients with this disorder. You can also rent or purchase a phototherapy device.

However, it is best to use the device under the supervision of your doctor while adhering to the instructions provided by its manufacturer. The doctor may recommend a specific type of light device that suits your condition.

Knowing that many health insurance programs do not cover the costs of this type of treatment.

Winter Depression in Women Causes

Several different factors cause symptoms of winter depression, and they cannot be attributed to one specific cause, including the following:

1. Short daylight hours and decreased sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal biological clock, leading to feelings of winter depression in women.

2. Disrupting the balance of melatonin levels in the body; As a result of changes in seasons, it is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep and stabilizing mood.

3. Lack of sunlight leads to a decrease in serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain that affects mood.

4. Reduced exposure to sunlight in winter causes vitamin D deficiency, which affects the function of neurotransmitters, and can lead to symptoms similar to those associated with persistent depression.

Vitamin D deficiency can be reflected in the form of physical pain, without a clear organic disease, in addition to a constant feeling of anxiety. In some cases, the situation may develop to the point of suicidal ideation.

5. Increased levels of stress, anxiety, and social isolation, as cold weather and short days can lead to spending more time at home.

6. Women are more susceptible to hormonal fluctuations that affect mood, and these fluctuations are more pronounced at certain times, such as during the menstrual cycle, and symptoms of seasonal depression can then worsen.

7. Previous mood disorders. Women with a history of depression or bipolar disorder may be more susceptible to winter depression.

8. With the arrival of winter, many people tend to feel lazy and lose the motivation to leave the house or exercise.

This lack of physical activity can cause lethargy and fatigue, and make it difficult for a person to control negative emotions.

9. A strong desire to eat in large quantities in winter, especially carbohydrates, and thus this poor eating pattern leads to low energy levels and the desire to sleep for long periods, which negatively affects productivity whether at work or study.

10. Work stress contributes to seasonal winter depression, and the situation gets worse when a person decides to take time off to rest and relax but remains preoccupied with work tasks, which leads to feelings of guilt and sadness.

Winter Depression in Women Risk Factors

There are some factors that can affect the risk of winter depression in women, including the following:

Gender

Women are more likely than men to experience seasonal depression. According to a 2015 publication in the Journal of Depression Research and Treatment, a diagnosis of seasonal depression is four times more common in women than in men.

Geography

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that living far from the equator can increase the risk of seasonal depression.

So people who live in places where days are much shorter in winter are more likely to suffer from winter depression.

Family history

Having relatives with a history of other types of depression can increase the likelihood of developing seasonal depression.

Personal history of depression

People with a history of depression or bipolar disorder are more likely to develop seasonal depression.

By understanding these factors, better strategies can be developed to predict which individuals are most vulnerable to this type of disorder and provide them with appropriate support.

Winter Depression in Women Diagnosis

The doctor’s diagnosis of winter depression includes a series of specific questions that he asks the patient, such as:

• How long did the patient’s symptoms last?
• What is the degree of severity of these symptoms and their impact on the patient’s daily life?
• For how many years have these symptoms recurred in the patient and in what seasons specifically?
• Have any changes been observed in the patient’s sleeping or eating patterns?
• Does the patient have a previous medical history of depression?
• Do any family members suffer from winter depression?

These inquiries contribute to determining the nature of the depression that the patient faces, and the extent to which it is related to the short hours of the day and whether or not she is exposed to sunlight.

The doctor may need some time to reach an accurate diagnosis of winter depression, due to the many different types of depression.

The doctor will likely order diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and hormone tests; To rule out other diseases that may cause similar symptoms.

Winter Depression in Women Complications

Complications of winter depression in women may include several mental health problems, including:

• Problems with concentration and increased activity characterized by symptoms similar to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• Eating problems, such as appetite changes or emotional eating.
• Feelings of excessive anxiety, which can be associated with constant fears and stress.
• Experiences of intense fear and panic, indicating panic disorder.

While many people respond well to treatment, others may suffer from the condition for long periods of their lives.

Winter Depression in Women Treatment

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), you may be able to relieve symptoms of winter depression by increasing exposure to sunlight, such as going for long walks when it is still sunlight.

Treatment for dysthymic disorder usually includes medication, psychotherapy, and light therapy.

Lifestyle modifications can also help reduce the impact of winter depression in women.

Psychotherapy

Although SAD appears to be caused by changes in brain chemistry, psychotherapy that focuses on mood and behavior can also help.

The American Psychological Association notes that this type of therapy may have longer-lasting benefits than taking medication or using a lightbox to control mood.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals improve their ability to monitor and control their reactions to various situations and environments more efficiently.

If a person can change the way he perceives events, his behavior will also change over time.

This may help reduce the severity of symptoms, during the season when the effects of seasonal depressive disorder are at their peak.

A course of cognitive behavioral therapy usually includes an individual program of thinking and breathing exercises; To help a person identify and modify negative emotions.

People can attend group or one-on-one sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy, which provide support and advice for those living with people with SAD.

Medications

Your healthcare provider may prescribe an antidepressant, usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This type of medication works to increase serotonin levels in the body.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) specifically for people with seasonal depressive disorder.

However, people should always follow their doctor’s instructions when taking these medications and check the prescribing information; To know the side effects and potential risks.

Bright light therapy

If a person’s symptoms significantly affect their daily functions, a doctor may recommend light therapy, as this intervention can help restore the person’s circadian system.

In bright light therapy, a person sits in front of a designated light box for a specific period each day, between early fall and spring.

Ultraviolet lamps, or full-spectrum lights, will not have the same effect on people with dysthymic disorder.

The National Institute of Mental Health recommends starting light box exposure as soon as possible after waking up.

In general, people should receive light therapy for 20-60 minutes daily, depending on the strength of the light.

Light therapy is usually safe, but may need to be avoided in certain cases:

• If you suffer from diabetes or retinal problems

There may be a risk to the retina and the back of the eye, especially in the case of diabetes or the presence of certain retinal conditions.

• If you take certain medications

Some antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may increase your sensitivity to sunlight, and phototherapy in this case can cause damage.

• If you suffer from bipolar disorder

Bright light therapy and antidepressants may cause episodes of mania or hyperactivity, which is an uncontrollable increase in energy levels and mood. In the case of bipolar disorder, it is important to inform the treating physician to take this into account in the treatment plan.

Daily lifestyle

Some people with seasonal depressive disorder find that increasing their exposure to natural sunlight can help relieve symptoms.

Examples include opening curtains and covers, trimming trees around the house, and sitting near a window during the day.

It may help to go out daily for an extended period, as can staying social and active, given the nature of seasonal depressive disorder. Planning activities before the start of the season may help reduce its impact on daily life.

Likewise, maintaining regular exercise and a balanced, nutrient-rich diet are important for overall health. Therefore, these habits also help relieve symptoms of anxiety and support a more regular sleep cycle.

After our journey into the corridors of winter depression in women, I would like to remind you that you are not alone in this experience, as what we share here is not just information, but rather an invitation to embrace and understand oneself.

Winter days may seem long and dark, but at the heart of every challenge lies an opportunity for growth and development. Embrace those moments when you feel heavy, and remember that every season of life carries with it its lessons.

You are strong and able to overcome challenges and do not forget to ask for support when needed. By speaking and sharing, we find light even in the darkest days. Let us face the winter with hope and courage, remembering that spring always follows winter, and with it comes renewal and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Depression in Women

Written by: Dr. Nahed Abd-Alkareem Ahmad

Sources:

clevelandclinic

medicalnewstoday