Are You Struggling With The Winter Blues?

Are you feeling depressed for no reason? Sleeping more? I think about the time of year it is and know when the days start to melt away. You also have to determine if it’s SAD or depression. If your depression gets worse go see a doctor.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — seasonal affective disorder (SAD) begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer and resolves during the fall or winter months.

Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications.

Don’t brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the “winter blues” or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.

Signs and symptoms of SAD may include:

• Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Having low energy and feeling sluggish
• Having problems with sleeping too much
• Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
• Having thoughts of not wanting to live

Lift Your Mood

These “self-care” tips might help with seasonal depression. See a mental health professional if sadness doesn’t go away or interferes with your daily life:

• Go to a movie, take a walk, go ice-skating or do other activities you normally enjoy.
• Get out in the sunlight or brightly lit spaces, especially early in the day.
• Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative.
• Eat nutritious foods, and avoid overloading on carbohydrates like cookies and candies.
• Be patient. You won’t suddenly “snap out of” depression. Your mood will improve gradually.
• If you have thoughts of suicide, get help right away. Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

I use a medium light next to me while in my office during the day.

Melinda

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651

https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/01/beat-winter-blues