Did you know that mental health therapists often find their busiest time of the year to be wintertime? The winter blues is a common occurrence for many, but sometimes the dip in mental health is longer and more severe. SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is a type of depression that happens during the fall and winter seasons and is more severe than the common “winter blues”. The cause of SAD is not fully known, but the shorter days, colder weather, and decrease in sunlight are some of the contributing factors.
With the shorter days of winter, we have more of the sleep hormone, melatonin, in our bodies which is produced when it is dark. This can leave us feeling tired and make the daily activities feel more daunting to complete.
During the winter, we tend to spend a lot of time inside and reduce our physical activity. Getting things ready and organized for all the holidays can also be a source of stress. For some, even spending more time with family increases our anxiety. These are just some of the reasons we might not feel like our best selves during the winter. Other symptoms of SAD include loss of interest in things you previously enjoyed, social withdrawal, increased irritability, cravings for sweets and carbs, and decreased ability to focus. These are common symptoms to experience, so if this sounds like you, you aren’t alone.
Here are some things you can do to get through the winter blues:
- Try talking about your feelings and struggles with trusted friends or a therapist.
- Light therapy can also help by providing the vitamin D you aren’t getting from the sun. Be sure to research recommended brands.
- Similarly, you could talk to your medical provider about supplementing your vitamin D levels.
- Staying active and doing things that fill your cup are always good for the soul.
- Lastly, reminding yourself of what you are grateful for in life by using the GLAD technique (see how here) or other gratitude techniques that you like.
Just like any feeling, Seasonal Affective Disorder doesn’t last forever. When the newness of spring comes around, you will likely feel that pep in your step return! However, it’s ok if it doesn’t return or you still don’t feel like yourself in the sunny, warmer weather. There are always therapists out there to talk to and sort out what might be contributing to these feelings. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support!
Brigette is a therapist at The Center for Mindfulness & CBT. She believes everyone has a story to tell, and that your story deserves to be heard. She uses a person centered approach along with CBT to help clients navigate their stressors and accept themselves for who they are. Her areas of interest are OCD and anxiety. If you’d like to learn more about Brigette or inquire about working with her, please click here.
