Today’s forecast: cloudy skies with a high chance of cabin fever. Tomorrow’s forecast: more of the same.
Does it feel like Groundhog’s Day? Do the repeated cold temperatures and lack of sunlight make you feel down?
You are not alone.
Many people suffer from some form of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here in the Midwest, the Lake Effect can create weather patterns that feature long stretches of cloudy days. On average, the Detroit metropolitan area experiences around 290 overcast days every year. We are not the cloudiest city (that honor goes to Portland, Oregon), but we rank pretty high. Repeated grey days can leave many feeling gloomy.
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“Seasonal Affective Disorder is depression that occurs with changing seasons,” said Emily Anderson, therapist at Rise Wellness Collaborative in Saline. “In winter, that may feel a lot like hopelessness, a lack of desire to be around others, changes in appetite, or decreased energy generally. These feelings, coupled with the weather, can make it tough to leave home, be outside, or go about normal life.”
She continued, “It has been so cold and dreary outside, and I think many of us have felt the urge to hibernate. These changes in season can bring heavy moods as we have less sunlight, time outside and often more obstacles to connecting with loved ones.”
Treatment options
Research into SAD has shown some effective strategies to help those struggling during the long dark days of winter. Those treatments can include:
- Adequate intake of Vitamin D
- Regular exercise, which helps boost endorphins
- Light therapy with the use of “happy lamps”. These light therapy lamps simulate natural sunlight and can help elevate moods, boost vitamin D production, and improve sleep.
Anderson also recommends speaking to your doctor if symptoms of depression persist. It may be beneficial to try medications that treat depression.
“Reaching out to a doctor and/or therapist can support you in exploring these options further and discovering what feels right for you and your body,” she said.
Self-care
Parents of young children can feel overwhelmed by the daily routines. Slogging through winter days can be a struggle.
“I believe it is so important to prioritize self-care this season. Make sure that you’re putting on your own oxygen mask first before you put on everyone else’s,” she said. “I know that is much easier said than done.”
What does self-care look like? Is it consuming a carton of Haagen Dazs while piled under blankets watching a Hallmark movie?
“I often hear people conflate self-care with doing traditionally ‘fun’ things like eating ice cream or taking a bubble bath. Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes nothing does the trick quite like ice cream. But self-care is a lot more than this. It can also be doing things that aren’t ‘fun’, such as ensuring you’re regularly eating nourishing meals, practicing good sleep hygiene and drinking enough water. Amidst this season that can feel heavy and isolating, filling your own cup is so crucial.”
Anderson has a message for any parents who are navigating through SAD this winter: “You are so worthy of care and support! I hope that anyone experiencing depressive symptoms right now will hear this information and know that they do not have to walk this road alone. Please reach out for help. You deserve it.”