SEASONAL DEPRESSION AND MEDICATION

Many people suffer from depression this time of year. Mental Health Professionals call this “Seasonal Affect Disorder” or “Winter Blues”. Many of my clients with depression ask me if they should be on medication. In fact, many suffer so badly that they think about trying sun lamps and even electric shock therapy.   Depression takes time to over come and it is treatable.  With the onset of winter, and lack of sun light along with limited activity and consistent cold weather, our levels of serotonin get depleted which brings on feelings of sadness, depression and lethargy. We may experience weight gain which makes many of us feel worse.  Medications can help for some forms of depression and anxiety.  Medication helps with physiological symptoms for severe sufferers.  However,  with the new generation of antidepressant drugs-we have seen that they work no better than a placebo (substance containing no medication)for the majority of patients with mild depression comprehensive research of clinical trials has found. Many of my counselees come to me tired of being on medication, tired of feeling tired, and tired of the psychological run around from some dispensers of meds, psychology or psychiatry. Number one reason they tell me: MEDS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY DESIRE. I have found that through Talk Therapy-(which simply means: client talks, I listen)  our counselees report reduction in depressive moods by about 50 perecent in only three sessions. Persons struggling with depression seek to be healthy, heard and helped. My perspective has been, that in time, many forms of depression can be alleviated by simply talking it out -This works especially well for Panic Disorders, Grief and Loss  and other anxiety related issues. Many times just small  changes in routine eating, sleeping and exercise patterns also significantly curb depression and anxiety.  I have also seen this same reduction in depressive moods while counseling adolescents. The one thing that surprises me is how many times they tell me that their physicians prescribe medication – which keeps them dependent on taking a substance. In defense of medication, let me encourage you that we have it because we need it. Many physical and psychological disorders have been alleviated by proper medication. However, I believe that with time, patience and short term goal oriented counseling, depressed persons can eventually get back to a healthy quality of life.NOTE: If you feel depressed and feel a need for medication, please talk with an experienced mental health professional. If you are on medication and want to decrease dosage,  call your physician.  If you are suffering from mild winter depression, remember that it is very common. It is also TEMPORARY in most cases. Do not self medicate or self prescribe or self assess. It can be dangerous to you or your teen.   If you feel the need for an assessment, please call Glen Mills Counseling Center for an affordable, private assessment. 610-656-1424.

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