Why am I more depressed during the winter-time?

Question

Is anyone a psychology expert? My mood tends to change a lot depeding on weather, time of day and what season it is. Why is it that I am happiest during the morning and early afternoon time especially during the summer? I tend to get a little more depressed at nighttime and during the fall and winter months.

Answer 1

There have been studies to suggest that sunlight is a natural antidepressant, so all those stories of cabin fever have some basis. People who live in coooler climates become depressed easier in winter months when daylight is shorter. You can renovate your surroundings to help, with sunny colors, frequent walks outside during daylight, to ensure adequate amounts of sunlight is obtained.

Answer 2

This is probably seasonal affective disorder. During the winter months when there's less sun, some people feel sad or hopeless. The current theory says it has to do with vitamin D and with melatonin. Vitamin D comes from sunshine, milk, and supplements, so it is easy to get enough, if you try. Melatonin is a chemical secreted by the brain that regulates sleep and general body functioning. Light exposure affects how much is secreted, so you can imaagine that the lack of sun in winter can cause problems with melatonin. There has been good success with phototherapy in treating this disorder. A special phototherapy light can be purchased from a medical supply store or maybe a drugstore, and a person can sit in front of it for 30 minutes a day, while they're working at a desk or wherever. It tricks the brain into putting out the right amount of melatonin and can help with mood and sleep. Chat with a doc, too, please. They will want to make sure it's not anything more serious, like depression.

Answer 3

Some people suffer from symptoms of depression during the winter months, with symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer months. This may be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes and related to seasonal variations of light.

SAD was first noted before 1845, but was not officially named until the early 1980’s. As sunlight has affected the seasonal activities of animals (i.e., reproductive cycles and hibernation), SAD may be an effect of this seasonal light variation in humans. As seasons change, there is a shift in our “biological internal clocks” or circadian rhythm, due partly to these changes in sunlight patterns. This can cause our biological clocks to be out of “step” with our daily schedules. The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January and February, and younger persons and women are at higher risk.

Answer 4

You might have S.A.D. (seasonal affectivenees disorder) which affects many people during the winter months when there is less sunight. Getting a prescription sun lamp and sitting by it for an hour a day can help, but don't self-diagnose! Head to a psychiatrist to get an evaluation, as you may need medication.

Answer 5

This happens to many people. Weather, the season, and the amount of light during the day can all be factors in how we feel. During the winter the amount of daytime light is least. Ask your doctor about light therapy, where you sit near a certain type of light in the early morning hours when it's still dark.

Answer 6

It's actually true that the lack of natural day light or sun light has an affect on mood and many people suffer from that.

Try to get out for a walk and get exercise...it forces the "feel good" chemicals in your brain out and will make you feel better. I hate how dark it gets in my home too so keep in mind when you MOVE to pick a place with lots of windows that get lots of sunshine pouring through!!!! They actually have fixtures that put out natural light too so you may want to ask about those at lighting stores or when remodelling.

Answer 7

Im assuming your probably happier when your able to go outside and not be cold, also bright or warm weather brings good spirit and good moods. Usually when the weather is bad you stay inside more, and when you stay inside your house more you tend to get depressed a little. usually in the winter time people are forced to stay indoors much more often. maybe you need a hobby? my mother was diagnosed as a bipolar about 10 years ago, and from what i see from her she tends to be more depressed when she has to stay indoors, going outside tends to cheer her up in the summer. i think thats all i have to add.

Answer 8

look up sundowners there is a depression linked to lack of sunlight the way to improve your depression is either/and take meds, get a outside activity during the day light. There even is special lights that are brighter that you put in your house that will help your mood. A lot of older people get this.

Answer 9

Not only is the lack of sunlight a problem, most of our
Holidays that are usually spent with family happen in the winter months.
After we grow up we may no longer be able to share those holidays together or maybe some of that close family
have went to heaven (or hell) and that time of year is
a reminder of how much we miss them.

Answer 10

just guess. only a trained professional can diagnose this.
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, also known as winter depression is an affective, or mood disorder. Most SAD sufferers experience normal mental health throughout most of the year, but experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer.