Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Winter Blues

This has certainly been a winter to remember. We have had colder temperatures, more snow, and more cloudy days than usual. No wonder that many of us are suffering from the Winter blues. A more severe form of the winter blues is called seasonal affective disorder. This condition affects women more than men, generally starts in the fall, and lasts until spring. Many medical professionals believe that the lack of sunlight is the culprit. We leave for school and work before the sun is up and we get home just as the sun is setting. We would do much better with the winter blues if we could force ourselves to brave the elements and go for a daily walk. A brisk walk outside in the sunshine for at least an hour is recommended. People with winter blues tend to crave more carbohydrates, particularly sweets, and hence gain weight. They sleep more and have less energy. Are there other factors that contribute to our feelings of malcontent during these long cold winter days? I, for one, suffer the blues when my gas tank has to be refilled and it’s not even February! I heartily agree that more exercise outside would help. However, many of us do not have jobs that allow us to exercise during the hours of sunlight. It is extremely difficult for me to discipline myself to go for a walk during my lunch hour, especially if it is extremely cold outside. Even forcing myself to go to the gym is hard when it is cold and dark when my workday is done. I think that understanding the problem is a step in the right direction. If the sun is shining make an effort to get outside. Bundle your children up and get them out in the sunshine also! There are probably a number of families out there suffering from cabin fever. The first snow is a novelty and children generally have a great time playing in it. However, once they get cold and wet, the fun is over. Then by time we are into multiple snows, the fun is gone. It should be no surprise that people who live near the equator rarely suffer from seasonal affective disorder. They have mostly warm, tropical sunny days. I’m feeling the need for a tropical vacation- too bad my propane tank got to the checkbook first.

Teresa Wiley
FCS Agent