Health Talk - Feeling SAD? You are not alone

New Delhi: As Delhi woke up to the coldest morning of this season so far, many people had trouble getting out of bed and experienced a mild bout of depression which is commonly known as winter blues.
Psychiatrists claim that a spurt in the cases of depression during winter months is quite common. It is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and it becomes worse during the cold and cloudy days of winter which the Capital witnesses in the months of December, January and February.
Cases of winter blues have already started surfacing in the Capital. With a drop in temperature, exposure to fog and decreased sunlight, the entire rhythm of the body changes during winter.
‘‘Though cases of winter depression have started coming in, they will peak around the cloudy and extremely cold days. The decreased light leads to hormonal imbalance and and an alteration in the nuerotransmitter of the body, making one prone to melancholy,’’ says Dr Jatinder Nagpal, consultant psychiatrist, VIMHANS.
Lack of sunlight leads to decline in secretion of a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is known as the happy chemical. It is an antioxidant that can cross cell membranes easily and even fight certain diseases. It controls the circadian cycle and is even administered as health supplement in some countries. However it shouldn’t be taken without doctor’s advice.
Psychiatrists say that elderly and those who spend hours indoors are more likely to fall prey to SAD than those who venture outside.
‘‘However, of late we had even young professionals complaining of SAD. The modern day desk jobs demand staying indoors for long hours at a stretch, keeping one away from sunlight for too long hence disturbing the body rhythm.
Elderly and housewives are seen to be at high risk. Heavy meals and little exercise add to the problem pushing one towards lethargy,’’ adds Dr Rajesh Sagar of AIIMS. One should try and step outside even on cold and cloudy days to avoid SAD.
With fog likely to get denser in the coming days, cases of SAD might also increase.
Many people avoid going out thinking its too cold to venture out, only to fall into spiralling depression. Psychiatrists warn that people with a previous history of depression need to be extremely careful and might need professional help if the condition persists.
Lethargy, difficulty in getting out of bed, depression, lack of motivation to work and no physical activity are the first signs that one should watch out for.