The German Society for Medicine and Psychotherapy said that winter depression falls within seasonal affective disorders, explaining that its causes lie in the gloomy atmosphere that dominates this time of the year, represented by darkness, clouds, precipitation, and short days.
The association added that the lack of light in winter sends a signal to the body to change the rhythm of day and night, which leads to an imbalance of hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain.
Symptoms of winter depression are:
Sorrow
gloom
mood disorders
Loss of motivation
Lethargy and fatigue
Exhaustion and nervousness
Arousal speed
Anorexia
Sleep disorders
Poor focus
Self neglect and isolation
The association added that winter depression can be faced by exposure to daylight through outdoor hiking tours and regular exercise.
In severe cases, a psychiatrist can be consulted to undergo psychotherapy or pharmacological treatment (such as antidepressants). It is also possible to resort to what is known as phototherapy, which aims to provide the body with light that resembles sunlight.