Each year, we wait for summer to roll around. Summer is bright and leisurely and alive. Winter is the opposite. It’s dark and tense and, particularly in New England, frigid. Because of the discomfort winter carries, specifically the lack of light, Seasonal Affective Disorder (sometimes euphemistically referred to as ‘winter blues’) is extremely widespread. According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 5% of adults suffer from severe S.A.D., whereas up to 20% experience a milder form of the illness.
Does the chilly, uncomfortable air put you in a bad mood? Does the uptick in stormy days make you dread peeking outside your window every morning? Do mid- afternoon sunsets suck the life out of you? You, too, may be battling winter depression. While S.A.D. is undoubtedly burdensome, and at times, the day, the month, even the entire season, may feel hopeless, there are a plethora of techniques you can implement to assuage some of your symptoms.
I think the most visible and jarring shift wintertime brings is its lack of sunlight. Countless studies have proven that sunlight transmits Vitamin D and serotonin — a.k.a. our ‘happy hormone’ — so, when that neurotransmitter is eliminated for a major chunk of your waking hours, it can be especially devitalizing. I couldn’t name a single person who prefers January’s 4:00 sunsets to June’s 8:30 ones. That’s why one of the most commonly prescribed remedies for S.A.D. are sunlight lamps. There are various brands, shades, and price tags, but all of them attempt to mimic sunlight. Most of them are portable and easy to construct. I would recommend setting it up by your workspace or at your kitchen table. While it won’t replace the rays of the actual sun, it can be an adequate substitute for a couple of months. And, of course, on the rare occasion that the weather is nice, make sure to get outdoors and absorb that Vitamin D! It’s healthy for your body and your mind.
Remember you’re not the only person who’s struggling. It’s a universal problem. But, when you enter a gloomy room when you’re already low-energy, it won’t do much to better your mood. And, when you’re feeling downbeat, nothing is more irritating than being ordered to ‘smile!’. Being overly-optimistic is quite taxing when you feel more pessimistic than ever, but sometimes, that approach can be useful. I’d recommend you try and evoke your sense of humor, even if it feels buried. Laughter is contagious, and if one person brings vivacity to the room, chances are, others will be glowing in no time. As hackneyed as it may sound, the Fake It ‘Til You Make It approach works. If you put on a smile, most people won’t be able to tell if it’s genuine or not.
As much as you may despise winter, for a large population of people, it’s their favorite few months. There’s a reason it’s referred to as the Most Wonderful Time of the Year — from the holiday season, to winter sports, to the jubilance of the first snowfall, winter does have a lot to offer. If you tried, you could probably counter- balance all of winter’s pitfalls with an advantage. For a lot of people, the way winter looks is the most painful part. The stormy afternoons, the dark skies, the colorless world — it screams depression. But, winter can be beautiful. Try to appreciate the allure of it all — go snowshoeing after a blizzard; build a snowman (or snowwoman) with your friends; watch a festive light show. The options are endless. You can join in with just about anything. Just make sure you do something. Don’t spend the winter cooped up in your bedroom.
For many, winter can be a stressful and strenuous time. The sunless afternoons, the freezing weather, and the overloaded schedules, are a recipe for a mental disaster. But, if you acknowledge the good aspects of winter, sustain your sense of humor and your smile, and possibly make a few purchases, it will be a bit more tolerable.
