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Seasonal Depression In Female During Winters

By on December 28, 2021

What is Seasonal Depression

In those who live with seasonal effective disorder, winters trigger the feeling of depression and hopelessness in them. Research has found that females are more affected by seasonal depression in comparison to men and are likely to fare worse than males. A study done at University of Glasgow United Kingdom has found that females are more affected by depressive symptoms due to seasonal variation and these symptoms are at the peak during the winter month.  Let us learn more about seasonal depression, its symptoms and how to overcome seasonal depression.

What is Seasonal Depression

What is Seasonal Depression

What Is Seasonal Depression Or Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal depression also defined as mood disorder happens every year at the same time.  It gets worse with change in season and is more common in winter before the ending of spring.  Some people also suffers from mild version of seasonal affective disorder during winters known as winter blues.  However seasonal depression is not just feeling down due to colder months what is a form of depression that affect your everyday routine,  your thoughts and feeling.  The best part is treatment is available for seasonal affective disorder that helps to get through the challenging time.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder


Do people also suffer from summer depression?

Summer depression is rare.  It starts from early summer or late spring and ends in falls.

How Common Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? 

Seasonal affective disorder effects about 5%-10% of adults worldwide. This condition starts from young adulthood.  About 75% of people suffering from seasonal affective disorder are females.

What are the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder?

The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include:

symptoms of seasonal affective disorder

symptoms of seasonal affective disorder

  • anxiety
  • Inability to concentrate.
  • Irritability.
  • Limbs feeling heavy.
  • Sadness
  • Feeling of worthlessness for hopelessness
  • Lack of energy
  • Heavy limbs
  • Sleeping more
  • loss of interest in everyday activities
  • Weight gain or carbohydrate craving
  • suicidal thoughts

Ways To Overcome Seasonal Depression

For those whom depression persons arrives or worsens during the winter months there are effective ways to manage the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

Ways To Overcome Seasonal Depression

Ways To Overcome Seasonal Depression

  1. Consult your doctor – Meet a mental health professional. Your health professional will ask you a few screening question.  If the health professional diagnosis you with seasonal affective disorder he/she will recommend you medications and therapies to help you work through it.
  2. Light therapy –Absence of exposure to sunlight is one of the main cause of depression during the winter season. Light therapy is one of the effective methods to overcome seasonal affective disorder. If it is sunny outside during daylight hours take purposefully walks.  If it is not sunny and sky is covered with, clouds purchase artificial lights for your home. Use artificial lights in the morning. 
  3. Vitamin D – During winters due to less exposure to sunlight  one may suffer from vitamin D deficiency that causes depression.  Make sure to include foods rich in vitamin D in your diet.  Alternatively, you may also take Vitamin D supplements as prescribed by your doctor.
    Vitamin D

    Vitamin D

  4. Exercise – Sedentary lifestyle during winter season makes you depressed. Engage yourself in physical activities such as aerobic exercises, yoga and stretching exercises that you can easily practice at home or outside in the sun.  Exercise promotes the production of endorphins that has positive effect on your mood.
  5. Eating a healthy diet – A balanced healthy diet is important for both physical and mental health. Include foods rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, healthy fat, fibre and good carbs.  Each lots of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Limit the intake of unhealthy fats and refined sugar.
  6. Private eyes social activities – Find ways to stay connected with family friends and neighbours. Hang out with your friends or relatives at local parks.  Play outdoor or yard games.  Visit a relative or for invite someone.  If the weather allows go for a walk with your partner or friend.  Else, have a phone call or video call with your friends or family members.

We know for some winters are tough but remember it is only a season and it will pass. 

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.
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