Augusta, GA — The holidays for many are considered the happiest time of the year, but that is not the case for everyone. Some people find these months filled with sadness and depression. Dr. Dale Peeples a psychiatrist with the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University explains what causes the shift in mood.
One common reason for depression is referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. That is a type of depresion that is related to the seasons. Most people primarily experience it during the winter months between December to February, often playing off of the time change, but there are some people that can experience symptoms in the spring and summer. Most report the sapping of energy and a feeling of moodiness.
Dr. Peeples explains that there are ways to alleviate symptoms, sometimes with something as simple as Vitamin D or a light box that mimics the effects of the sun. He does not recommend treating yourself without the guidance of a doctor, though, because some cases may be worse than other. He suggests an open conversation with your primary care physician can steer you in the appropriate direction for treatment.
Most importantly Dr. Peeples stresses that there is help available and that depression of any kind is not something that you have to deal with on your own. Medication and/or psychotherapy can help a person regain their life.
