Do you feel tired, ruminate on negative thoughts, struggle to get out of bed? Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Symptoms of SAD include many of the same symptoms of depression: sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, withdrawal from social activities, inability to concentrate, anxiety, despair, and hopelessness. SAD is four times more common in women than in men (Brees, 2008). Individuals with SAD experience vulnerability to light deprivation, leading to the onset of the illness in autumn or winter when daylight hours decline. Relief occurs in spring and summer with exposure to light. Some individuals may experience changes in appetite leading to weight gain during winter and autumn. Sleep patterns are also changed. Additional symptoms of SAD include fatigue, declined energy level, decreased motivation and concentration resulting in loss of productivity.
In my opinion, adjusting to the winter season is important. Mother Nature teaches a lot. During the winter time, everything in nature slows down. The trees are more restful and “sleepy”, and they do not grow new leaves. Many animals hibernate or sleep a longer time. Perhaps the winter season can be metaphorically compared to a night, when expectation is for more rest and less demanding of high productivity. Of course every person is unique, and finding the balance between doing and being is important. When spring comes, we typically feel more energized, and it seems to be that doing things is so much easier. After the winter, the biological rhythm of the human body is naturally more active and we are ready to meet spring with“a big hug.”
Since we are a part of the Holographic Universe, including our planet Earth, we are bound by the Universal Laws, whether we believe in them or not. The Universal Intelligence dictates energetic cycles, seasons, or cataclysms. From circadian rhythm of 24 hours, to weekly, monthly, yearly cycles – the seasons of life. Time is a change, which we cannot change. Aligning with the seasons means being in tune with nature. And if we are not, then what we resist will persist.
People who are prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can help themselves by trying to be prepared for winter. What activities they may do while spending more time at home. Future goes better by plan, not by hope.
Therapist Notes
- Prepare in advance a plan and/or ideas how you will cope with winter’s moods.
- Use vitamin D. Some rich foods in vitamin D (few to mention) are egg yolks, tuna, fish liver oil, certain mushrooms, and sardines.
- Winter’s lack of sunlight is really challenging. Check out Happy Lights known to treat SAD symptoms.
- Exercise is a mood booster and your mental vitamin.
- Get outside in the morning to get more natural light. Try to be outside to get natural light.
“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently. Then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, ‘Go to sleep darlings, till the summer comes again.’” ~ Lewis Carroll Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: Throughout the Looking-Glass
Reference: Brees, K. (2008). The Everything Guide to Depression. Avon, MA: F+W Publications, Inc.