Waking up with a gloomy mood and not feeling like heading to
work is not uncommon this season. But if the feeling of
depression continues through the day, and you do not find any
motivation in anything whatsoever, then you could be suffering
from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). a condition wherein
depression sets in during the autumn and winter months. Patients
go into hibernation mode. They might also experience an increase
in their sleep and appetite, unlike the other forms of
depression wherein one loses sleep and appetite. Other symptoms
include a loss of pleasure and interest, feelings of lethargy
and fatigue, and low self-esteem. People experience sadness,
irritability and face difficulties coping with the requirements
of day to day life,” explains Dr Samir Parikh, director, mental
health and behavioural sciences, Fortis Healthcare Limited.
What’s the trigger? Reduced sunlight is the greatest cause of
winter depression, leading to an increase in melatonin, a
hormone responsible for mood disorders. “M