Overcoming the Winter Blues
- February 01, 2011
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- Emotional Well-Being Blog
Ever notice that in the winter, perhaps between November and March, you just feel sort of in the dumps? Maybe your motivation is lowered, you feel sad, things don’t seem as pleasurable as usual and your interest in work, socializing and entertainment seem to lose steam? Perhaps you also feel more moody, sad or irritable and even want to cry at times? If so, maybe you are having a bout of S.A.D… or Seasonal Affective Disorder. It isn’t totally clear what causes this, but there are several ways to treat it.
First of all, realizing your own vulnerability towards depression at this time of year is a good first step to solving the problem.
Some interventions that may help include the following:
Buy a full spectrum light. These can be found online (Northern Lights is a great brand). Try to use it in the morning before dawn. This can help extend the daylight so that your spirits lift.
Increase exercise. Often the cold weather discourages us from exercising. However, if we actively combat this tendency by self consciously increasing our exercise, we might find that the depression lifts.
Psychotherapy. If the depression really begins to interfere with work or socializing, psychotherapy can be helpful.
Medication. In some instances using anti depressants in combination with some of the other interventions listed will also be helpful, especially if initiated at the beginning of the winter in November.
Nutrition. There is evidence that proves that good nutrition can also improve your mood.
In any event, don’t despair too much because inevitably winter ends and spring will emerge once again!
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