Depression common during winter months

It's the time of year for the winter doldrums.

One out of five people suffer from depression at some time in their lives, according to licensed psychologist Adam C. Sedlock Jr.

The problem can be more common during the dark, hazy days of winter, Sedlock told the Uniontown Mallwalkers during a recent meeting of the group.

Also known as winter depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the condition comes and goes seasonally and is less common in sunnier climates. It is caused by a shortage of sunlight, which provides vitamins A and D, according to Sedlock.

Symptoms include a craving for sweets and/or starches, weight gain, difficulty waking in the morning, fatigue and social isolation.

'All of the symptoms may be important,' Sedlock said, 'but the major symptom should be depression severe enough to interfere with an individual's functioning level.'

Many who suffer the winter doldrums find ways to deal with their depressed feelings. The Mallwalkers suggested reading, cleaning, shopping and eating.

A diet of sweets and/or starches is a coping mechanism, according to Sedlock.

'Studies have shown that fatty and starch-laden food ingestion triggers the production of endorphins, which act as natural opiates,' Sedlock said. 'Therefore they produce euphoric effects in the nervous system. It may be a natural defense system.'

While some people use alcohol to deal with SAD, Sedlock said it actually causes depression.

'One can or bottle of beer causes eight hours of depression afterwards,' he said. 'Three drinks can cause 24 hours of depression. It's often not noticed because people sleep off the effects. However, alcohol not only drowns your sorrows but clones them too.'

People whose coping measures don't work and whose depression is severe enough may take to their beds, withdrawing from everyday living. These people need extra help, according to Sedlock.

Once depression interferes with a person's daily life, intervention is indicated.

Barbara Pavlovich, a registered nurse with Fayette HealthLine Services, recognizes winter depression sufferers are often reluctant to seek help.

'Adam tries to get people to know there is not a social stigma to having a depression from seasonal changes,' she said. 'We were brought up in the era that anyone who had depression had stigma that they were mentally ill. It is a mental problem but it is a problem that everyone goes through.'

Sedlock said winter depression sufferers 'need to talk about it to friends, relatives or they can call a professional. Try to do everything you can in your own home, then get outside help if you need it.'

Winter doldrums can be helped by exposure to natural light, according to Sedlock.

'The light is believed to aid in the production of seratonin,' he said. 'When it is sunny out, you look up to the sun and you feel better.'

However, Sedlock cautioned, those prone to skin cancer should follow their doctor's advice, even if it means avoiding sunlight.

On gray, overcast days, SAD sufferers can use a special light box for a short time that provides the necessary full-spectrum light, Sedlock said. He cautioned against looking directly at the light to avoid eye damage.

Saint-John's-wort, the No. 1 herb prescribed for depression, can be somewhat beneficial, according to Sedlock. Supplements such as seratonin, melatonin, and vitamins A and D only minimally reduce SAD symptoms, he said.

Taking medication helps but it doesn't get to the root of the problem, Sedlock said.

'The most effective treatment has been shown to be a combination of light therapy combined with psychotherapy,' he said.