How to overcome the wintertime blues

For those of us in California, Mother Nature gave us a little sneak peek at springtime last week. The sun was shining, flowers in bloom and I started seeing everyone out on bikes and skates. Then today the rain came with nothing in the forecast but rain for the next several days. I started to hear everyone complain of the gray skies and how they were hoping it was the end of their 'wintertime blues.'

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) starts usually as the days get shorter and the sunlight disappears due to all those winter storms. It is estimated that millions of Americans suffer from SAD due to this loss of sunlight and often dread the winter months. The American Psychiatric Association reminds us that SAD symptoms are often similar to depression. Symptoms can include: fatigue, weight gain, sadness, irritability, social withdrawal, craving foods high in carbohydrates and lack of interest in normal activities. Individuals suffering from SAD may not experience every symptom, and severity of symptoms can vary.

In the past 20 years researchers have uncovered some effective treatments to help SAD. One of the most effective treatments is finding exactly what caused SAD to begin with - sunlight! Of course it is difficult to find natural sunlight so alternatives must be discovered. Sun boxes or special florescent lighting help stimulate the brain and can reduce symptoms.

When the wet, gloomy weather comes we tend to hole up in our homes and feel our options for activities are limited, causing feelings of boredom and sadness. The winter months are a great time to take up a new indoor hobby, remodel something inside or take a trip to a different climate. Having something to look forward to on a rainy day can keep you positive and full of energy.

Psychotherapy is also useful to help with SAD. With psychotherapy new coping skills could be learned to help with depressive symptoms. In severe cases antidepressants may be needed, but this would be something to speak with your physician about after other alternatives are tried.

If you are suffering from SAD or any other mental health illness and live in the California Central Valley please contact me for mental health assistance.