If you are fortunate to live in a warm or sunny climate, you might not know about the winter blues. However, for those that live in areas where the winter months mean less daylight and colder temperatures, you may be more aware of a change in mood that can occur. For some, winter months can bring about the need for more sleep, and a drop in your overall mood. The winter blues can be more severe for other people, with symptoms of major depression, anxiety, decrease in physical activity, weight gain, irritability, loss of interest in normal activities, and more. This is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. According to Psychology Today, Seasonal Affective Disorder affects 10 million people in America and another 10 to 20 percent may have mild symptoms. For the many millions of people who struggle with the winter months, there are things you can do to fight the winter blues. Focus on turning the winter months into a season of new adventures. Try starting a new project, taking a trip, exploring different hobbies, reading books and watching new movies. Embrace the cold season by dressing appropriately for the weather and enjoying cold weather activities, such as sitting by the fire and eating warm foods. The winter blues don’t have to dampen your season this year. Acknowledge how you are feeling and try some of these new activities to help brighten your mood.
If you have concerns about your winter blues, or the health of someone you know or care for, talk with a healthcare provider today. For more information on Seasonal Affective Disorder, check out these resources below. Information was also sourced from the following sites:
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/seasonal-affective-disorder/index.shtml
- https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/01/beat-winter-blues
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/therese-borchard-sanity-break/ways-fight-off-winter-blues/
