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Help Beat the Winter Blues With Common Sense Depression Busters
Staff Writer
Longer
nights and shorter days mean that the holiday season is close at
hand. But for many people, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — sometimes
called “the winter blues” — isn’t far behind;
however a few common sense depression busters can help keep the holidays
happy.
Depression effects a significant number of Americans aged 55 and older. Studies
have found that as many as four out of every 10 seniors with physical illnesses
are depressed.
The number of depressed older Americans increases annually during the winter
months.
The onset of the longer, darker days of winter means that less serotonin — the
happy hormone — is produced in the brain, leaving many people with the
blues. This can be particularly devastating for older Americans, especially those
suffering from physical ailments.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, an estimated half a million
Americans suffer from SAD, a recognized type of clinical depression, while another
10 percent to 20 percent experience mild SAD symptoms each winter.
SAD most commonly begins in winter and usually ends by late spring or early summer.
SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain brought on by fewer
daylight hours and less sunlight.
More women than men are affected, and it becomes more common the farther north
a person lives.
“As seasons change and days get shorter, some people may experience an
imbalance in brain chemistry caused by the lack of light,” explained Dheeraj
Mahajan, M.D., geriatrics medical director at Weiss Memorial Hospital and clinical
assistant professor of Medicine at University of Illinois at Chicago.
SAD usually results in multiple symptoms, which can often mimic other illnesses
or disorders.
“People battling with SAD usually experience fatigue, isolation, sadness,
mood changes and even suicidal thoughts,” said Dr. Mahajan. “We recommended
they seek treatment with a mental health professional.”
Bright light therapy is used to treat SAD and has proven effective in over 80
percent of those diagnosed. The treatment involves spending about 30 minutes
per day in front of a special lamp, which is 10 to 20 times brighter than ordinary
indoor light.
Most people respond to light therapy within a week. Doctors may prescribe antidepressant
medication in conjunction with light treatments.
While a mild case of the winter blues is normal, most seniors can prepare for
the winter’s limited light by following a few expert recommendations.
Avoid loading up the junk food, especially during the holidays. Sugar and white
flour products have been shown to affect the biochemical symptoms in the body
and can accelerate depression.
Keeping a friend or family member handy also helps seniors to keep things upbeat.
When depression hits, many people tend to become even more isolated, which increases
loneliness and sadness.
Instead of becoming isolated, experts recommend taking a brisk walk with a friend
or hitting the after holiday sales together.
Good old-fashioned exercise is another good way to battle the blues, because
it releases the hormone endorphin in the brain, naturally creating a good mood.
Experts suggest that seniors can benefit by joining a gym or buying a piece of
fitness equipment to workout indoors.
Winter is also a great time to take up something new. It’s never too late
to give that tennis lesson or swim aerobics class a try.
Because SAD can be confused with other medical conditions, an evaluation by a
medical professional is necessary in order to make a proper diagnosis.
In all cases where an individual’s health or emotional well-being is a
concern, they should consult with an appropriate health care provider.
This page and its contents ©2009
Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
