Healing is a Holiday Gift You Deserve
If someone asked what my favorite season is, without hesitation I would say Autumn. I'm a Florida girl and this is the one time of the year when it's not too cold and it's not too hot. Actually, it's never really cold in Florida but if "Just the right temperature" had a name, it would be Fall. The tree leaves are changing to their beautiful oranges, reds, yellows and browns. It's the season for apple picking, pumpkin spice lattes, cozy candles, fall festivals and above all that, Thanksgiving! The weather is getting cooler in preparation for the winter.
Winter has its own vibes too. It's giving, hot chocolate, cabins, skiing, snuggle up with a blanket and watch Home Alone, and of course, Christmas!
What is Winter Blues?
With all those incentives, why is it called Winter Blues? Winter Blues is a proverb used to describe a feeling of sadness during the winter months. Many people are mourning the loss of loved ones, some feel isolated or lonely, others feel stressed from the seasonal demands of gift giving and decorating, etc. However there are some people that only experience symptoms of depression toward the end of the year. There are a several reasons why this may be but the one that is often overlooked is the shortage of daylight. So how does this affect your mental health? Great question! According to John Hopkins Medicine, it is thought that shorter days and less daylight may set off a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression. Anyone with an existing mood disorder may find that their condition worsens during this time of the year as well.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of Major Depression with a seasonal pattern. Essentially, it's when a person experiences a recurrent episode of depression at a particular time of the year usually during the fall and winter. The depression will last until Spring. This pattern will repeat itself for at least 2 years without any non- seasonal episodes. Major depressive episodes that occur in a seasonal pattern are often characterized by prominent energy, hypersomnia, overeating, weight gain, and a craving for carbohydrates.
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Treatment Options
Below are variations of treatment options that can be used to treat the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some of which can be used simultaneously.
Increase sunlight exposure - Be intentional about capturing the sunlight by scheduling a 20 min walk in the neighborhood or reading a book at the park. If this is too much try opening the curtains to let in the natural light. Sit near a window and enjoy a healthy meal or beverage.
Light therapy - Speak with your healthcare professional about using a light box or other light therapy devices
Prioritize a morning routine - The hardest thing to do when you're depressed is basically EVERYTHING. However try to commit to doing at least two things in the morning to give yourself a jumpstart and a sense of accomplishment. Ex: Brushing your teeth and having a healthy breakfast.
Psychotherapy - Speak with a licensed therapist to help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that could be leading to depression and learn healthy ways to cope.
Medication - Speak with your psychiatrist or health care provider about starting antidepressant treatment.
The holidays don't define your happiness. Help is available and you don't have to suffer in silence.
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