Dr. Virginia Loewenstine, CEO and medical director of Tristate Preventive Health, answers your questions
Q: I am usually an optimistic and upbeat person. However, I find myself feeling down and not motivated at certain times of the year. Is this depression?
A: There are several reasons for feeling down. We all have occasional short episodes of feeling blue or not having a lot of energy. However, if these times (especially without a reason) become more than just a few hours, pay attention: your body is trying to tell you something. In ALL cases, talk to someone. Reach out to your spouse or significant other, a friend, co-worker or family member. Do NOT be silent.
In general, major depression, as a clinical diagnosis, is classified as a mood disorder with depressed mood and/or loss of interest most of the time for at least two weeks. However, not everyone is the same, and symptoms can vary. Not-so-obvious symptoms may include irritability, isolation, and withdrawing from activities and people who make you happy. This is the reason to listen to those who know you best! They are often the first to recognize you are not yourself and initiate help.
Feeling down and not motivated during certain times of the year is a recognized form of depression termed seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Symptoms come and go, typically starting in the fall or winter, and resolve during the spring and summer. This disorder is quite common and the first step is to recognize it and get help. Treatment can be as simple as using various wavelengths of light to simulate sunshine.
If you find yourself in immediate distress or are thinking about hurting yourself, immediate resources (available in the U.S. and Canada) include:
- Calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifelinetoll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Texting the Crisis Text Line(HELLO to 741741)
- Using the chat feature on 988lifeline.org
