How to Deal with Winter Blues

The "winter blues" affects many of us during the short winter days and long winter nights. If you get down or feel depressed when sunshine is scarce, you are definitely not alone. "Winter Blues" is now often referred to by psychologist and others as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D., with the acronym being all too descriptive and appropriate. S.A.D. is characterized as sadness, lack of interest, lack of energy, lethargy, and overall depression. It is possible to combat these symptoms and I will offer tips and suggestions for beating these Winter Blues and making the most of your winter days.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Light, artificial or natural
• Light Box (optional)
• Friends
• Capability of getting outdoors.

1. 

   Natural sunlight can make dramatic changes in your mood, so get outside as much as possible during daylight hours. Just bundle up and head outdoors to take a walk or hike or try cross-country skiing. You could even revisit your childhood and enjoy some good downhill sledding. Whatever you choose, the natural air and light will likely raise your endorphins and energize you, making those long winter days more enjoyable.

2. 

   Let your friends and family help. Visit with others as much as possible, even if it is only to go to lunch with a friend, as long as you are visiting with other people. Share a cup of coffee with a loved-one is another way to combat the feeling of gloom. Being alone while you are affected by this disorder will only compound your symptoms.

3. 

   Do not be afraid to consult with a professional. The “winter blues” can be a sign of a larger problem, such as depression. Therapists , psychologists, and psychiatrists are all familiar with symptoms and treatments of this mood disorder, and will know what type of individual treatment will be affective for you.

4. 

   Try light therapy. Since this seasonal mood disorder is due to a lack of "light," you may benefit from exposure to artificial light. Light Therapy, or “phototherapy,” is an exposure to daylight or to specific wavelengths of light using fluorescent lamps, or very bright light. Typically this light is prescribed for a specific amount of time and, in some cases, at a specific time of day. “Light Boxes” used to treat S.A.D. can be purchased online at http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/

Tips & Warnings

• This article is for informational purposes only.
• This article is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition.
• Always consult with a physician before starting any new therapy.

Resources

• How to Avoid, Manage, and Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

[tikrit01]

on 1/12/2009 Great Article! Summer come back soon! 5 stars!

[AffinityThree]

on 1/10/2009 Great tips!

[mayh3m]

on 1/5/2009 Great article! Thanks for sharing.

[willtay3]

on 1/4/2009 great

[Tfurby]

on 1/4/2009 Wonderful advice!