The “winter blues” is a real thing and it’s something that a lot of people suffer from. It’s a type of depression that can be brought on by the change in seasons, the lack of sunlight and the colder weather. It can make you feel down, anxious and even hopeless. If you’re someone who struggles with the winter blues, there are things that you can do to help make it through.
First, it’s important to understand that you’re not alone. Many people suffer from the winter blues and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just talking to someone who understands can make a big difference. Try to get outside as much as possible, even on the gloomiest of days, some time in the fresh air can do wonders for your mood. Make an effort to eat healthily and exercise, Both of these things can help to boost your mood and give you more energy. Maybe you can keep your mind occupied by playing a round of online poker with real online pokies. Social interaction can help ward off feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can make the winter blues even worse. Spending time with friends and family, or even just talking to a stranger can help you feel more connected and less alone.
A more “scientific” term for the “winter blues” is, Seasonal Depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is merely a form of depression that occurs during the winter months. Seasonal Depression is thought to be caused by the reduced amount of sunlight during winter, which can trigger a change in brain chemistry. Symptoms of seasonal depression can include fatigue, sadness, irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, and weight gain. Diagnosed Seasonal Depression is treated with light therapy, antidepressants and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
The science behind seasonal depression is still not fully understood, but some theories explain why some people may be more prone to it. One theory is that it could be linked to the change in daylight hours during the winter months. This can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms and lead to feelings of depression. Another theory is that it could be related to a drop in serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate mood and can be affected by changes in light exposure.
It’s safe to say that the “faster” the sun sets and robs us of “light”, the “darker” our thoughts can get.
It’s important to be able to differentiate between depression and seasonal depression The simple difference between seasonal depression and regular depression is that seasonal depression is brought on solely by the change in seasons, typically during winter when there is less sunlight, yet people with regular depression experience these symptoms year-round.
Mental health is often something that we sweep under the rug and pretend doesn’t exist. We need to start acknowledging mental health for what it is- an important aspect of our overall health. We need to start talking about it, normalizing it and destigmatizing it. We need to start taking care of our mental health just as we would our physical health. We need to start being open and honest about what’s going on inside our heads.
Acknowledging mental health is the first step to taking care of it, even if it’s seasonal.
