Who doesn’t tack on some extra pounds over the holidays, catch a few more Zs with sunrise coming so late, or find an excuse not to do that thing you used to love on a cold winter night? These symptoms don’t sound concerning, maybe even can be expected.
According to the Mayo Clinic, less sunlight can cause some people to experience S.A.D. Not to be confused with our SADD, another acronym S.A.D stands for “Seasonal Affective Disorder”. Less sunlight in winter is thought to be the cause of S.A.D. Without being exposed to as much sun, melatonin, serotonin, circadian rhythm, and vitamin D levels are all negatively affected. This can lead to depression which should always be taken seriously.
Treatment is available and very effective for S.A.D. but it must be recognized. Oversleeping, weight gain, and low energy levels are early warning signs. More advanced depression has symptoms such as not doing things usually enjoyed, social withdrawal, and conflicts with loved ones and family or friends. Heightened depression may lead to self-medication or substance abuse and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Mindful observation is an important method for minimizing or recognizing these symptoms.
Take notice of your friends, peers, siblings, and others around you. Be aware of these behaviors and seek a doctor or mental health professional. This circle of influence can help you develop coping strategies and skills for a healthier mind. Hang in there. Spring is just around the corner!
What do you do to tackle the winter blues? Share with us in the SADD Nation MySADD group! We'd love to hear what you've been doing to stay active and engaged this winter. https://www.sadd.org/group/sadd-nation?scrollToTop=1
For more about SAD and how you can seek help, https://www.mayoclinic.org/