Prevent depressive mood in winter

Overcome depressive mood in winter: Active and in good mood through the winter
The sun is shining, the days are getting shorter and darker. For many people, the winter time brings not only cloudy weather, but also a gloomy mood. In the darker months it is possible to get a "winter blues" or even a true depression. Fatigue, listlessness and depressed mood are typical depressive symptoms. Every fourth citizen in Germany suffers from these impairments in winter, feels sad and unmotivated. A consultation in the pharmacy can educate people who are susceptible to mood swings about treatment options or preventive measures. However, proper depression is always in the hands of a doctor.

Winter blues or real depression?
In most cases, the symptoms of the "winter blues", so the depressive mood, from the beginning of November on.

Depression not only affects the mental state, but can also affect physical processes. They carry a similarly high risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high cholesterol or obesity. (Image: Jürgen Fälchle / fotolia.com)

Many people often feel tired and impotent during the colder months. An increased appetite for sweets, for example, is typical for a depressive mood in winter. About sugar, the body tries to provide itself with serotonin, the "happiness hormone". Symptoms of a depressive mood are at first sight like those of a real depression. The following symptoms are unmistakable signs that the "winter blues" has turned into real depression: listlessness, loss of appetite, massive sleep disturbances, feelings of inner emptiness, difficulty concentrating and a depressed mood.

"In contrast to depressive mood, the symptoms of depression become more and more frequent," explains Dr. Richard Klämbt, President of the Apothekerkammer Bremen. "It is important to consult with a suspected depression in any case, a specialist to clarify the causes and treatment options."

Treatment of depressive mood
St. John's Wort is used to treat a depressive mood. It is a herbal remedy that is used in both mild and moderate depression as well as depressive moods. St. John's wort increases the photosensitivity of the skin, which is why patients should only enjoy sunbeams in moderation and avoid the solarium. The medicinal plant is part of many finished medicinal products.

It is important to pay close attention to the dosage, as some products contain no extracts and thus are much lower doses. However, a certain dosage is needed to achieve a noticeable effect. Since self-treatment involves risks, it always makes sense to ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice. "Patients should also be patient and not stop taking it too soon, because the first effect will not be effective until about two to four weeks," says President Richard Klämbt.

Tips for everyday life
In mild cases of depression, small changes in everyday life can be made. For example, daylight has a positive influence on the mood. Even when it is cloudy, daylight boosts serotonin release. A 30-minute walk is already sufficient. Also sports activities increase the production of happiness hormones. In addition, a healthy diet counteracts depressive moods and stress.

Tropical fruits such as oranges, bananas and tangerines contain many vitamins and thus provide plenty of energy for the day. Similarly, the lack of vitamin D may be the reason for a depressive mood. For this reason, people who are feeling depressed should check their vitamin D levels with the help of a blood test. "If you feel depressed, you should consult the pharmacy or family doctor about the treatment options," recommends Klämbt. "With a true depression, however, sufferers should definitely go to the doctor," he also emphasizes. In a depressive mood patience is announced. Many people have already survived this disease - so, persevere!