With so many nor’easters in recent weeks, broken snowfall records, and threats of more snow in our future, it’s no wonder that so many New Englanders suffer from the winter blues. However, some may suffer from a more serious condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or seasonal/winter depression.
SAD differs from major and mild depression because the symptoms only occur during the fall or winter months when days are shorter and there is less sunlight. According to the Mayo Clinic, “symptoms start in the fall and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.”
Although, some may view SAD as a temporary hurdle, the yearly occurrence could impact the individual throughout the year. Symptoms may include sadness that is severe or persistent enough to interfere with everyday functioning and often by a decrease of interest, libido or pleasure in activities.
Several reports indicate that women consistently obtain higher rates of seasonal depression than men. Additionally, according to a 2002 American Psychology Association study on women and depression, women are twice as likely to experience a depressive episode as men.
There has been no evidence to explain why women are more prone to depressive symptoms, however, the APA states that there is a link between puberty and increased rates of depression, as well as a link between mood and the menstrual cycle and reproduction, which may contribute to the difference between male and female depressive onset.
Currently, there are a number of different treatments for mood disorders. Although medication can reportedly be useful for helping to reduce symptoms of individuals suffering from different levels of depression, exercise has long been known to be good for the mental and physical health.
According to WebMD, there’s a physical and psychological change that takes place in exercising people’s bodies that goes by the technical term feel-good effect. Feeling good involves a sense of zest and pleasure, a positive appreciation for life.
Although short-term exercises can be useful in the reduction of stress and depressive symptoms, the longer the exercise program the greater the decrease in depression.
In a recent study using 40 clinically depressed women, the women with mild to moderate depression in exercise treatment programs showed a reduction in depression symptoms in a short time. In comparison to medication group where, asubstantial percentage of patients show no improvement despite an optimal dosage of antidepressant.
Exercise is a cost-effective alternative to antidepressant medications, and appears to reduce the chance of relapse. Results from the follow-up for a Duke University study indicated that 38% of the Zoloft group relapsed at the end of the 10-month period, 31% of the combined group (Zoloft and exercise), and only 8% of the exercise group.
Also, light exposure is very important. Dr. Mallika Marshall of Partners Health Care suggests that individuals take advantage of as much daylight as possible. So, outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding are important and will be very beneficial during these snowy winter months.
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