Do shorter days bring on bouts of depression for Effexor users?

Along with fall and winter come shorter days, longer periods of darkness and for some Effexor users, bouts of depression. Although there are individuals who don't buy into the "winter blues," it is a serious issue that affects many people. The technical term for this is seasonal affective disorder (SAD), condition that makes people begin to feel a lack of energy and become moody during the colder months.

Symptoms
Symptoms of SAD are similar to signs of depression any other time of year, and may include:

• Anxiety
• Changes to appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Heavy feeling in the arms and legs
• Hopelessness
• Oversleeping
• Social withdrawal - a sort of "hibernation"
• Weight gain

Patients who have not been prescribed Effexor may want to see their doctor when they have these symptoms for multiple days at a time. As winter means more time spent indoors and less time soaking up the sun, it's not uncommon to have a down day occasionally. However, it's important that people seek out help if thoughts of suicide occur or once they stop taking joy in activities they used to love.

Avoid SAD
In addition to taking antidepressants, people may be able to relieve their symptoms naturally. Some suggestions sufferers may want to try include:

• Watching what they eat. Too much sugar can trigger depression, while omega-3s are great for feeling good.
• Working out. Exercise is key anytime of year, but especially when it gets cold outside. Instead of fighting the frost, people should sign up for a membership at a gym that is close to home or work.
• Giving back. Spending time or money providing for those in need can be a great way to help oneself feel good. Around the holidays, there are plenty of individuals in need of assistance.
• Light things up. The less time spent outdoors, the more likely a person is to feel blue. so, in the winter months, people can plug in fluorescent lights to boost their moods. Consider doing so around daylight saving time in the fall.
• Getting active. Those who dedicate their time to friends and family in the fall and winter may be less likely to have bouts of depression. A good way to ensure this happens is to schedule a date with a friend for dinner, drinks or a movie and put it on the calendar.

When the seasonal blues become too hard to deal with, sufferers can turn to an online pharmacy for Effexor.