More Than the Winter Blues

All of us are susceptible to feeling especially gloomy on a dull, rainy day, but what if you are experiencing feelings more severe than that?  Do the shorter, darker days of winter find you feeling depressed, unable to lift your spirits or motivate yourself, moody, emotional, eating and sleeping more, and generally retreating into hibernation?  If so, you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that begins in the fall and gets better in the spring. 

These unique time-specific symptoms distinguish SAD from other types of depression. SAD is directly related to the decrease in sunlight during the winter months because the body’s internal clock is disrupted.  It is most common in women and often affects more than one member in a family. 

While we cannot all escape to Florida or Arizona for our daily dose of sunshine, we can try some simple things to improve our moods.  Getting more natural light every day is a good start; sit near a window in your home and take a walk outside on clear days.  Exercise can also elevate your mood.

If the symptoms are severe enough to affect your daily life, prevent you from routine functioning, or last more than 2 weeks, see your doctor.  He or she may prescribe anti-depressant medications, therapy, or “light therapy” which involves a special lamp or light box to boost your exposure to bright, artificial light.  

No matter which remedies you pursue, remember that spring really does come.