The season of winter has its own special kind of blues, and cloudiness that creeps in with shorter days and fewer sunbeams. But there is a reason why it happens for some.?
It could be Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. It's when the winter months bring on a wave of depression that just seems to stick around until spring brings longer days and warmer waves.
SAD also known as winter depression, is a type of depression that affects people in a seasonal pattern. Symptoms typically start in late fall or early winter and improve in spring or summer.?
Think of your mood like a flower that needs sunshine to bloom. In winter, that sunshine gets scarce, and just like a flower in the shade, your mood might start to wilt. This can lead to feeling down. Basically, less sunlight leads to this disorder in many and makes people lazier than ever and sometimes disinterested in the things that they usually enjoy.?
Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Changes in appetite or weight
Low energy or fatigue
Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Thoughts of suicide??
Other than the obvious fact that one should get some sunlight every day, there are other options too if you don't have that option:
This involves sitting in front of a special light box that emits bright light. Light therapy can help to regulate melatonin production and improve mood.
Medication can be helpful for people with moderate to severe SAD.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with SAD identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to their symptoms.??
Remember, feeling down in winter doesn't always mean SAD. But if it feels like winter's got you in a tight grip, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional, and let them chase away those winter blues so you can enjoy the season once again!