Aristotle said, “To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” This quote reveals a unique perspective that fuels our curiosity. Could winter be good for us?
Discovering and learning is good for us. Perhaps exercising that curiosity can allow a new experience, broadening our mindset and enriching our souls. Such reins true in life as well. Are you a winter person, or would you rather dive under the blankets and hibernate from December until Spring? Some of us do not understand what is so special about winter. This article will help eliminate the winter doldrums and make you appreciate that snowflake.
From a certain perspective, winter is considered a beautiful time of year. In many places, snow adds an aesthetic unmatched by other seasons; however, we don’t see snow everywhere. You may experience, as many of us do, rain puddles instead of the fluffy white blanket covering your lawn. That can be enough to get you down. You may even feel bouts of depression and anxiety from the lack of sunshine. Fortunately, those feelings usually dissipate as we move into Spring.
The negative effects often blamed on winter may also come from a person’s dislike of the holiday madness that ensues. Relatives seem to come out of nowhere, making life awkward and uncomfortable for a few days. You may hate holiday parties but feel compelled to go, which does not help your mood. Finances are stretched to the limit for many of us, resulting in stress and anxiety. You may not be able to enjoy a long walk or run in the woods or by the lake during this time of year, making your days less joyful.
Of course, excessive sadness, stress, and anxiety may lead to depressive disorders, which are more serious. However, the symptoms should not be ignored. If depression persists, talk with a loved one or a professional to get your life back in balance.
Some people feel down during winter simply because they do not like winter. Feelings of depression in January may not just be post-holiday malaise. It could be a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or “winter depression.” However, others may experience depressive symptoms that can become more serious. SAD is a type of depression that causes mood changes and usually occurs in the winter.
Some symptoms of SAD include the following, but all symptoms may not be present in every case.
Treatment to reduce the effects of seasonal affective disorder may include a combination of the following:
Lack of sunlight for extended periods can affect a person’s mood. It leads to chemical changes in the brain that may also lead to depression. Our bodies rely on sunlight, which increases the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is vital to our well-being. Daylight also regulates the hormone melatonin, which increases during winter, promoting excessive sleeping.
Light therapy is exposure to bright, artificial lighting and treatment for SAD. Also known as phototherapy, exposure to bright light may improve mood in people with depression. Our body’s seasonal rhythms mediate through changes in the hormone melatonin. Our endogenous circadian clock controls melatonin secretion, but exposure to light can cause similar suppression.
Therapy for SAD may include a lightbox or lamp with LED light. Consult a health professional before using light therapy because some conditions contradict light treatment. Some of those conditions include the following:
There are many ways to help alleviate depressive symptoms brought on by the winter season. First, get outside! Bundle up and take a walk in the sun. It may be cold out there, but the sun will replenish you with vitamin D and stave off the blues. If the sun is not shining, exercise anyway. Walking, biking, dancing, or anything that gets you moving will improve your mood.
One unique method for treating winter depressive symptoms is using a dawn simulator. Dawn simulators are also alarm clocks but do not wake you with an abrupt alarm. Rather, their light increases gradually to mimic a sunrise. Some dawn simulators are charming and tend to enhance a person’s mood. The most effective ones use full-spectrum light, similar to natural sunlight.
Meditation, living in the moment, yoga, adjusting your mindset, and keeping social engagements instead of hibernating may help you find winter bliss.
Dealing with depression requires specialized care and support. In Southern California, there are numerous treatment centers dedicated to helping individuals navigate and overcome depression. Our directory at SoCal Mental Health is designed to connect you with facilities that offer targeted treatment programs for depression.
These centers provide a range of therapies and services tailored to the unique needs of individuals suffering from depression. From traditional psychotherapy and medication management to holistic approaches, each facility focuses on creating a supportive and healing environment. The goal is to help individuals regain balance, renew their sense of hope, and work towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, exploring our directory can be a crucial step in finding the right treatment center. Reach out to discover the various options available and take the first step towards recovery and improved mental health.
