Seasonal depression disorder is a psychological illness which is very common among people nowadays. It is more common during the monsoon and winter months which are accompanied by gray days and long dreary nights. People normally feel upbeat and livelier during summer when the days are sunnier, warmer and longer. During this season we tend to exercise harder, go out more often and eat smaller portions at meals. However during the transition from summer to winter some people begin to feel depressed.

For these people the changing in the seasons brings about a change in personality. Someone who might have been totally calm and relaxed during the summer months could change and become tense and depressed. Such people may have trouble getting out of bed in the mornings and be very irritable throughout the day. They might have trouble concentrating on anything and find it difficult to moderate their eating habits. They would also tend to lose interest in things that they would normally enjoy. Their attitude and personality changes once again when spring arrives and they get back to their normal selves.

In order to help get over SAD (Seasonal Affective disorder) there are a few things that one can try to help cope with the situation. It is important to try and soak up as much sunlight as possible when it is available. Set an alarm clock to help you wake up and don’t laze around in bed as this would only make you feel worse. Wake up immediately and have a wash and try getting out of the house. Take a stroll and get as much natural light as possible between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m..

Consume foods that are rich in tryptophan as studies have shown that this helps increase the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter which gets reduced with excess carbohydrates in the body thus making you feel depressed. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as this would only give you a temporary lift. Get into regular aerobic exercising and if you’re unable to get out in the morning then at least try and have lunch outside. Though not a very practical approach for most people, if you do have the resources and are able to relocate then do so to a warmer location.