How to beat seasonal depression in Australia: Doctor shares what you can do about it

Doctor: A ‘miserable’ health condition is set to plague millions of Australians – here’s what you can do about it

General Practitioner revealed why moods plummet in winter
Every year thousands are effected by seasonal affective disorder
Dr Deb Cohen-Jones shared how to beat it

By Carina Stathis For Daily Mail Australia

A doctor has shared the condition impacting thousands every year as the winter months approach and the days shorten.

Australian General Practitioner Dr Deb Cohen-Jones said seasonal affective disorder (SAD) occurs when the weather turns cold and gloomy, leaving many confined to their warm homes.

As a result she said many might feel more anxious than usual, less motivated and on edge.

‘During the winter time when the skies are grey and it’s cold, our mood deteriorates. This actually effects a lot more people than you would expect, including kids,’ Dr Cohen-Jones said in a video.

However, to combat against winter blues she advised to connect with nature, lower alcohol intake, exercise regularly, take vitamin D supplements and adjust medications if needed.

Australian General Practitioner Dr Deb Cohen-Jones said seasonal affective disorder impacts thousands during winter. As a result she said you might feel more anxious than usual, less motivated and on edge

However, to combat against winter blues she advised to connect with nature, lower your alcohol intake, exercise regularly and adjust medications if needed

How to beat winter blues:

1. Connect with nature – go for walks, hikes through the trees, go to the beach

2. Avoiding the temptation to drink too much

3. Take Vitamin D supplements

4. Alter medications if needed

5. Exercise to get natural endorphins going

Source: General Practitioner Dr Deb Cohen-Jones

Dr Cohen-Jones went on to say among her clinical practice she believes the disorder ‘primarily effects’ women in their 30s and 40s.

But her suggestions to assist with this disorder are applicable to both men and women.

‘There’s a lot of strategies that we can use – one thing that really works is for me is connecting with nature,’ she continued.

Even during winter, it’s ideal to go for beach walks, hikes, and generally being outside before the sun goes down.

‘On those sunny days, going to the beach, taking your shoes off and feeling your feet the sand or walking in the water can be really good for you,’ Dr Cohen-Jones said.

In addition to this, avoid the temptation of drinking too much alcohol as this can spike anxiety the following day.

Exercising regularly is also key to keeping your mood high if experiencing signs of seasonal affective disorder.

‘For those who can, escaping to a warm location is the best treatment to get you through this period,’ Dr Cohen-Jones added.

If you’re not getting enough sun, consider taking supplements to support the immune system.

‘Vitamin D tablets can be helpful, in particular if you’re vitamin D deficient, but just upping your dosage can be good,’ Dr Cohen-Jones added.

She also endorsed changing your regular medication dosage if needed.

‘If you are on antidepressants and feeling worse then usual discuss increasing the dose during winter or adding another agent for this period,’ she said.

What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons.

SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year.

If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.

These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer and resolves during the fall or winter months.

It’s normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can’t get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your health care provider.

Source: Mayo Clinic

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