by Nina Palumbo, Clinical Social Worker certified in Spiritual Christian Counseling
The Winter Blahs…. Or is it?
I used to dread this time of year. The holidays were over and there wasn’t much to look forward to except the cold gray skies of winter. January and February were spent dreaming of a warm and sunny spring break location. Now, I appreciate the slower pace winter brings. For some, this pace is an opportunity for self-reflection and renewal. For others, it may be a time of lonely isolation. Gray skies may not only darken our homes but may darken our mood. A certain amount of holiday let down is normal. The festivities are over, and we may start to the feel the effect of our holiday indulgences.
What’s known as the “winter blues” is normal during this time of year and affects about 25% of the U.S. population. You may notice the winter blues by having less energy and an increased appetite, especially carbs. However, there is a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects about 6% of the U.S. population. In addition to the winter blues, there may be an increased desire to be alone, trouble concentrating, irritability, anxiety, depression, weight gain, or a loss of interest in activities. The reduced level of sunlight affects our level of serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that affects mood. Melatonin, which is a sleep hormone, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases.
There is Hope
Usually the symptoms of SAD can be managed with exercise, increasing the amount of light in your home, meditation, using stress management techniques, spending time outside, or visiting climates with more sun. Should you notice how you are feeling does not improve or gets worse, talk with your family doctor and/or consult with a mental health professional for short term assistance. Spring is on its way!