Why is depression worse in the morning for a lot of people?
I find my depression is worst first thing in the morning when I wake up. I have asked many other people about this in online forums. It seems to be the same for a lot of people suffering from depression and anxiety also. Is it just due to the idea of having to face another day or is there a biological explanation? Is there anything that can lessen morning depression?
Hi,
A very similar question was asked not so long ago - I gave this reply.
Essentially, you are quite right in the content of your question. There may well be a physiological answer, as much as an issue of thought processes. I think it partly depends on the type of depression you have, the severity of it, the length of time it is experienced and whether any comorbid conditions exist.
The so-called 'diurnal variation' has certainly led to speculation that some depressions, and possibly bipolar affective disorders, may stem from disruption of circadian rhythms (body temperature, hormonal changes, altered patterns in the secretion of cortisol, pituitary-dependent hormones). A whole raft of studies point to sleep disturbance patterns in depressed people.
Hope this goes some way to answering your question.
- Thank you for your input
- Ranked Helpful (3)
- Report Abuse
