The holiday parties are over and far-flung family members have returned to their own homes. The presents have been put away and thank-you notes written. Reality is about to set in.
Many of us have gained a few pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years; we’ve probably spent a bit more than we should have and winter is coming on with a vengeance.
Winter doldrums can become a vicious cycle. When the weather is bad, it’s harder to work up enthusiasm for going outside to exercise–or even for driving to the gym. But less exercise can make apathy and lethargy worse. Winter also means that even when we do get outside, we don’t get the sunlight exposure that helps us make vitamin D. Levels of this critical vitamin may drop dangerously low during the winter.
When vitamin D, which acts as a hormone, is in short supply people are more likely to suffer depression (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Oct. 2011). Older people may be especially susceptible to this effect, which may go undiagnosed.
Another hormone that may dip in wintertime is thyroid (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Apr., 2004). A person who takes levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid) to control an underactive thyroid gland may do well on a given dose in the spring and summer, but develop symptoms of fatigue, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, constipation, depression and cognitive impairment during the winter.
When people report to their health care providers that they are feeling down in the dumps often the reaction is a prescription for an antidepressant such as citalopram, Cymbalta, fluoxetine, Lexapro or sertraline. If distress about bills and retirement funds is causing insomnia, the doctor may prescribe a drug like alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam or lorazepam to ease anxiety.
The trouble with all such medications is that they rarely solve the underlying problems. They may also cause dependence. When stopped suddenly they can cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, sweating, headache and irritability.
What can people do to make it through the next few months without succumbing to depression? For one thing, thyroid and vitamin D levels should be monitored. If adjustments in dosage are necessary, that can sometimes make a difference.
Other options include light therapy, talk therapy, exercise, fish oil and St. John’s wort. To learn more about these and many other non-drug approaches we offer our Guide to Dealing With Depression.
There is also a wealth of practical advice on natural approaches for easing anxiety and depression in our one-hour interview with Tieraona Low Dog, MD. You will find it at www.peoplespharmacy.com by searching for radio show #788.
Attention to diet, exercise and supplements can be beneficial not only for overall good health, but also for maintaining a positive mood to make it through the winter doldrums.
