Did you know that American depression rates have more than tripled during the ongoing pandemic? Add in the cultural stressors of the election, racial tension, and economic uncertainty and my office has been full day in and day out with folks experiencing symptoms of depression.

I share that to let you know that you are not alone. Others are struggling too. As with my past articles, I write about the prevalent issues in an effort to provide resources and help to you.

Some individuals battle lifelong depression disorders due to the chemistry of their brains. Perhaps they were born with a genetic disposition toward it or have suffered a traumatic event that altered their physiological chemistry. Some suffer from situational depression. Perhaps they are going through a divorce or job loss or some other event in life that has left them overwhelmed by grief, feelings of worthlessness and disinterest in life. Others suffer from seasonal depression. Ever heard of the winter blues? That’s when the shorter hours of sunlight and more time spent indoors leads to depression symptoms in some individuals.

10 Common Symptoms of Depression

You’re likely aware of some of the common symptoms of depression, but there are other health and mind concerns that can actually be attributed to depression. To properly address those symptoms, you have to know the culprit behind them. Perhaps it’s depression. Here are some of those common symptoms.

1. Feelings of hopelessness. Feeling like nothing will ever get better and that you can’t do anything to improve your situation.
2. A loss of interest in day to day activities. You don’t care about former hobbies anymore. You’re not interested in going to social events or having sex. It seems you’ve lost your ability to feel pleasure.
3. Appetite or weight changes. You’re overeating or undereating.
4. Sleep changes. You’re experiencing insomnia or oversleeping. Maybe you’re waking in the early hours of the morning or never leaving the bed.
5. Anger or irritability. You’re feeling restless and agitated. Your tolerance level for people and situations is low. Everything and everyone is getting on your last nerve.
6. Loss of energy. You’re fatigued, sluggish, and feeling physically drained. You have no energy to complete even the small tasks or maybe they take significantly longer than they used to.
7. Self-loathing. You have strong feelings of worthlessness. You criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes. You think you have no value and that you’re better off dead.
8. Reckless behavior. You engage in harmful behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or some dangerous hobby.
9. Concentration problems. You have difficulties focusing, making decisions, or remembering to do things.
10. Unexplained aches and pains. You may experience an increase in physical ailments such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and gastrointestinal pain.

You Are My Sunshine

While a doctor or trained professional is your best resource for diagnosing and treating depression and other mental disorders, many medical and mental health professionals seem to agree on adding one essential course of action to your treatment plan – the sunshine.

That’s right, that 10,000 degree ball of gases that our galaxy revolves around can be a wonderful treatment for those with seasonal depression and a great accompaniment to those with medical and prescription treatment plans. In fact, the sun has more of an impact on our moods and health than any other environmental factor. Here are a few reasons why:

Sunlight can improve your physical health.

When our bodies are running well, we have more energy to devote to our mental health. To promote cell growth and reduce inflammation, our bodies need Vitamin D. The best natural source for Vitamin D is the sun – it’s very hard to get enough from food alone. Vitamin D also helps build strong bones and teeth.

Sunlight can relax you.

When sunlight hits your skin, your body releases nitric oxide into your bloodstream. This helps lower your blood pressure, improve your heart’s health, and protect against cardiac disease and stroke. Sunlight also brings feelings of relaxation which can naturally lower your blood pressure.

Sunlight increases serotonin levels.

Researchers have found that the turnover of serotonin in the brain was affected by the amount of sunlight on that day. When it was a brighter day, serotonin levels were higher than on days with an overcast of clouds. Duration of bright sunlight and serotonin levels were directly proportional. And while the increase in serotonin not only boosts your mood, the increase in melatonin production – in tandem – can help you sleep better at night.

Want to really boost your mood and physical wellness? Take a walk in the sunlight. Move your body. Let your body absorb its benefits and maybe burn a few calories while you do.

Depression is no light matter. It’s very real and it’s a very difficult struggle for many. If you think you match any of the symptoms described above, please consult a professional. As a licensed and trained mental health professional, I can help with that. Meanwhile, if you’re having a gloomier, heavier day, step outside and let that 864,938 mile wide serotonin booster in the sky help you out. It’s mother nature’s free treatment for you.

– Joel