WNKY News 40 Health Report: Managing depression

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – It’s that time of year…the weather is cold and sometimes gloomy. And, there’s less daylight.

So, you may think that’s the reason you’re feeling “blue.” But it’s not always related to the time of year.

Dr Schrader, a psychiatrist at Graves Gilbert Clinic, says people who suffer from depression may find their depression worsens during the winter months and those people may be more sensitive to the decreased sunlight than others. He also says if it affects your relationships or work, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider.

During the winter months, Dr. Schrader recommends staying active during daylight hours since that can help reduce the chance of developing depression. And, keeping the shades open so light can enter you home may help, too.

And, if exercise and sunlight doesn’t help, Dr. Schrader says treatment with antidepressants may help and sometime can be stopped after  a year for patients who do not want to take the medication on a permanent basis.