Environmental Depression Definition

Sometimes, depression can occur because of external causes such as stress, traumatic events and environment. Moods and emotions can be affected by seasonal rhythms. A person's environment can often be a major cause of depression.

Definition

• If something happening in your direct environment coincides with a tendency to become depressed, you possibly could succumb to depression. Other environmental factors include substance abuse problems or serious health problems. Genetic predisposition combined with environmental stress can lead to environmental depression.

  A common form of environmental depression is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you are suffering from SAD--defined as depression caused by lack of light--you might feel an exaggerated version of seasonal blues.

Causes

• The ending of a relationship is a very common cause of environmental depression. If you have had a major health problem, such as a heart attack or cancer, you could be more susceptible to environmental depression. In the case of SAD, a lack of light is the most obvious cause. Heredity also can be a factor, as around 70 percent of people who suffer from SAD have a family member who also suffers from it. Low serotonin levels, which are common in the winter, can cause SAD as well.

Symptoms

• If you feel that your depressive tendencies have increased since a certain event in your life--such as a job change, shift in your health or the introduction of financial problems--you may be experiencing environmental depression. If your depression lifts when spring and summer arrive, you may be suffering from SAD.

At Risk

• Anyone experiencing more stress than usual because of an environmental cause is at risk for environmental depression.

  In the case of SAD, men are three times less likely to suffer from it than women. Seniors are also at a greater risk, as they are less likely to be in the daylight than younger people. Two to 6 percent of children have SAD; interestingly enough, the same percentage of children are diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder (ADD).

Prevention

• Most forms of environmental depression are difficult to prevent; it is difficult to anticipate the loss of your job or a sudden relationship change, for example. However, if you are aware that an environmental factor is affecting you, you can join support groups and plan to see a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.

  With SAD, try to plan major life changes and projects during the spring and summer months, as this will reduce the guilt you feel when you are less productive in the fall and winter months. Plan structured group activities, such as taking a class, that are fun and less demanding than socializing can be.

SAD Treatment

• Bright-light therapy is a process in which you look at broad-spectrum lights for anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours a day. This tells your brain to make more serotonin, which can help lift your depression. Try to cut down on sugar. Take a vitamin B supplement, as this also can help boost your mood. Fish oil supplements can be beneficial as well.