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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : June 4, 2014 4:57 PM IST
Anxiety, detachment, isolation and a negative attitude towards life or, simply, winter blues - this common problem mostly observed in the Western world is snaring more and more victims in India, specially in the northern parts, doctors say.
'People in this season complain of isolation, irritability, lack of energy and feeling of being withdrawn. Even if there is a minor issue in their life, they start considering it too colossal and many a times start self-medicating,' Brishti Barkataki, consultant clinical psychologist at the Pushpawati Sighania Research Center told IANS.
She said that approximately more than 15-20 million people experience winters blues in India and the number is constantly increasing due to the lack of outdoor activity and less exposure to sunlight during the winter season.
Rajiv Mehta, senior consultant at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said winter blues or Seasonal Affected Depression (SAD) is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the brain due to the shortening of daylight hours.
He said that this is the season when more and more people start getting depressed as the scarcity of daylight causes a decrease in strotinine, a type of chemical that helps relay signals from one area of the brain to another.
'Lack of physical activity and confining oneself within the walls of the home due to chilly weather during winter is another reason why people also feel more isolated and depressed', Mehta told IANS. (Read: Depression understanding it is half the battle won)
Many also complain of body pain, constipation and headaches.
Mehta said those who face the problem of mood swings are the worst affected.
'Thinking that staying indoors during the winter season can protect from the common cold and flu, one should understand winters is a high time when our body needs daylight and lots of vitamin D. As already the level of vitamin D in the human body decreases due to people confining themselves inside the walls of the house during winters,' Mehta added.
Ashish Mittal, senior consultant psychologist at the Gurgaon-based Columbia Asia Hospital, said that people at the initial stage do not consult psychiatrists as they believe that psychiatrists are basically doctors for mentally ill.
'But they need to understand that we are the ones who can actually understand the actual problem and sugest remedies,' Mittal told IANS.
'People feel gloomy and depressed. They can't sleep, their confidence goes down and they lack the drive to work,' he said, adding: 'To overcome this they overeat and are then full of misery and guilt.'
'Some are sometimes not bothered about their health. Also, we find people complain about the loss of libido or don't want to do anything that gives them pleasure', Mittal noted.
'More and more outings, exposure to daylight during the morning hours and a complete no to alcohol and smoking can help people stay away from the depression', he said.
Mittal said by 2020, depression will be the second most common disease after cardiac arrest. (Read: Beat the blues this winter)
How do you know if you have seasonal affective depression?
Sadness is a part of life, and every human being goes through it regardless of the season. However, if prolonged periods of sadness occurs exclusively during winters or summers for more than two years, then it may be Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of depression.
Some tips to keep SAD at bay
Here are some tips that'll help you keep SAD at bay:
1. Soak up some sun: The sun is significantly less harsher during winters, but there are a few hours in the afternoon when you can go for a walk.
2. Catch up on sleep: Inadequate sleep could also give rise to symptoms of depression. A lot of people enjoy sleeping a little extra during the winters, and you should too.
3. Proper food: Having foods rich in antioxidants like nuts, fruits and vegetables is a good way to keep SAD at bay. Drinking green tea could also be a good idea. You should not overeat foods which are high in carbs like white bread, white rice, etc.
4. Consult your doctor: If you are not sure about whether you have SAD or not, it wouldn't hurt to give the doctor a visit. He may suggest you some mild antidepressants or therapy which will make you feel better. (Read: Got the blues? You must be feeling SAD today)
With inputs from IANS
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