Christine Hardway
Tampa, FL -- Winter blues, clinically known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of depression or mood change that is highly reactive to environment or seasonal variations of light. This is called the “winter blues” because the mood changes usually happen during the winter season. For some people, having some occasional depressive moments are normal to them as long as they are for a short duration and the individual is able to remain productive with regards to their daily activities.
Studies have shown that in U.S. alone, around half a million people find the winter season a bit more than they can bear. Women are usually the ones affected by SAD. It occurs frequently to those in their 30’s.
"Some of my clients who have suffered from this disorder believe that it is just part of seasonal changes, and it will just go away naturally," states Christine Hardway, a trained psychotherapist for Creating Positive Outcomes in Tampa. “However, those people who experience exaggerated episodes or extended periods of depression should not be ignored as their work and relationships may suffer.”
Winter blues is characterized by behavior such as feelings of sadness, decreased activity, anxiety, irritability, daytime drowsiness, increased appetite, carbohydrate craving, and weight gain. Experts believe that SAD is related to the reduced sunlight in fall and winter disrupting some people’s ‘internal body clock’. It is also believed that the disorder can be associated with the increased levels of melatonin and decreased levels of serotonin in the brain that is why dark and gloomy days can affect the behavior of a person.
Below are five steps to fight Seasonal Affective Disorder:
1. Light therapy. Exposing your eyes to natural light everyday causes biochemical changes in your brain keeping you upbeat and happy. If natural light is not available, phototherapy using “light boxes” or special lights can also raise mood levels.
2. Supplements such as B-complex vitamins, Vitamin D, and selenium can help boost energy levels.
3. Avoidance of carbohydrates-
4. Increasing your energy by being creative. Exercise like doing yoga, dancing/singing, doing housework, taking a walk outdoors, and listening to upbeat music can also do the trick.
5. For some patients, working with a medical professional, find taking prescribed antidepressant medication can be helpful.
If a depressive mood persists, even if you follow some of the above-mentioned steps, you may want to seek professional help from an experienced therapist to help manage your winter blues symptoms.
Contact: Christine Hardway
Creating Positive Outcomes
Phone:
Additional Resources:
www.creatingpositiveoutcomes.com
www.tampacouplescounselor.com
