Don’t be surprised when some of your friends seem to be grumpy or irritable these past few days. We are now on the tail-end of the four-month long winter season. From the months of November to February, the days are shorter and colder, and the nights longer and darker. As the climate changes, many people actually tend to feel gloomy and miserable. Such mood disorder is known as winter depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Based on statistics released by the SAD Association, 500,000 people in the United Kingdom had experienced some form of winter depression, while doctors have estimated that 20% of the population, or almost 2 million people are affected by the disorder in Sweden. Norman E. Rosenthal is the US doctor who coined the term SAD in 1984. Winter depression has a sound medical basis that involves changes in the body’s mood centers brought on by shorter daylight hours and a lack of sunlight. Most people suffering from this depressive illness experience a sense of utter isolation and loneliness. The only consolation is the fact that many people go through the same grumpiness during this time of the year. It provides a sense of comfort and assurance that sufferers are not alone.  Read more... (543 words, estimated 2:10 mins reading time)

Today, more than 50% of world population is suffering from depression, data suggests that the intensity of depression might vary. In today’s fast paced and hectic world depression has become a common disorder. As of statistics, people between the age of 18-60 normally have symptoms of depression.

But luckily if one applies him mind in overcoming depression it can easily be fought with. As of now there are various treatments and medications available to overcome depression. One can choose from a large number of treatments and select the one that best suits them. One can classify depression as a recurrent illness and get it medicated to get fast results.

Of the various treatments available Psychotherapy involving Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal therapy (IPT) are the more famous ones.In normal circumstances it is suggested that successful short-term treatment be pooled with ongoing, maintenance therapy. There is a high possibility that the person suffering from depression can have chronic mental illness that requires medication and psychiatric therapy together.  Read more... (529 words, estimated 2:07 mins reading time)