Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder?

My journey and how you can recognize the symptoms 

The days turn gray, it’s dark outside more than it’s light. The cold starts to creep in along with the weight gain. It’s not uncommon for those of us who live far north of the equator to struggle with the change of the seasons. Often called the winter blues millions of people struggle with the onset of late fall and early winter days. However, for a percentage of those people, a get-together with friends, a hot bubble bath, or a cup of cocoa just doesn’t seem to solve the problem.  

I am one of these people. I can’t pinpoint the exact time frame of when I began to struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (seriously the name though) but I do know it was years before I received a diagnosis and help for my symptoms.  

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that millions of Americans struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder every year. Winter SAD (yes there is a summer one) is defined mostly by the severity of symptoms a person is experiencing and can last 4-5 months. 

According to a report by Johns Hopkins Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder Include:

• Feeling Anxious or Sad for multiple days in a row

• Hopelessness

• Restlessness

• Decreased Energy

• Fatigue

• Hypersomnia or Oversleeping

• Overeating - especially carbohydrates

• Increased Physical Pains - such as muscle cramping or tightness

• Changes in Libido

• Headaches

• Brain Fog

• Change in Behavior Towards Others

I know this list can seem intimidating - but it doesn’t have to be. Not everyone with SAD experiences all of these symptoms and even if you do - there is hope!! 

Mayo Clinic  (and myself) recommend starting with an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP). Your PCP can run some lab work to rule out possible causes for your symptoms such as anemia (low iron), Vitamin B or Vitamin D deficiency, and a thyroid panel to name a few. 

From there your PCP will treat any of the above-mentioned underlying causes if needed and may propose seeing a therapist, incorporating daily exercise, or light therapy. I purchased my first Happy Light (yup you read that right) last year. For me, it works wonders.  I am using it while I type this blog post.

If you find these treatments aren’t giving you enough benefit please go back and discuss it with your doctor. You may need a low-dose anti-depressant - and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this!!! Remember mental health should be taken as seriously as physical health. If you were struggling with symptoms and needed medication for blood sugar or blood pressure no one would deny you that. If you need medication for your mental health - don’t deny yourself that. 

I hope this post helps and encourages anyone struggling through the winter months. No one should struggle alone with their mental health. Reach out for help - hope is out there.