I know it’s not just me who feels the wrath of the winter blues each year. How could winter possibly be a cheerful time? The days are shorter, the trees are bare, and bright colored spring clothes are tucked away in our closets.
Looking up at the gray sky certainly doesn’t help you get through a lousy day either. You know it’s not the end of the world and in time the weather will turn around for the better, but what is this dreary feeling you just can’t seem to get over? Is it possible to be slightly depressed during this time of year?
There is, in fact, a name for this. Seasonal affective disorder, also ironically known as SAD, is a type of depression that occurs around the same time every year. For most people, the symptoms show mostly in the fall and into the winter months. You can be drained of your energy, feel excessive mood swings, have difficulty concentrating, have trouble sleeping, etc.
According to Cleveland Clinic, between 4 and 6 percent of the U.S. population suffers from SAD and 10 to 20 percent suffer from a minor form of winter blues. Most of those who suffer from the disorder are women in their 20s, 30s and 40s. It can also affect children and adolescents.
Different treatments such as phototherapy, psychotherapy and medications can help with SAD. However, it is also important to just try and keep yourself busy and happy throughout these gloomy months of the year.
Having this feeling every year shouldn’t just be ignored and seen as the “winter blues” that you just need to get over. It’s important that you focus on keeping your mind active and focused on the positive. Spending time outside, eating healthy, exercising, and staying involved with your regular social activities is very helpful.
From personal experience, I know there is really no escaping the “winter blues.” The only thing that you can do is find that little bit of light in all of the gloominess and you will be (almost) golden.
For a lot of us, the wintertime may not be the best time of year to enjoy the outdoors and keep a positive attitude, but as long as you surround yourself with good health and good people, you can make it through those months and even enjoy them. Springtime will be around the corner!