Winter is approaching us fast. It’s time to talk about how it can affect our mood. It’s pretty common to not feel like yourself when winter comes around. Many people would rather stay inside and away from activities they usually love doing. So the question is “What is Seasonal Affective Disorder and how can we avoid it?”
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
This is also called SAD. It occurs when the temperature drops, and you begin to experience symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Disinterest in usual hobbies
- Sluggishness/low energy
- Oversleeping
- Overeating/weight gain
- Concentration issues
- Anxiety
- Social withdrawal
- Suicidal thoughts
These symptoms are typically caused by two things: serotonin decrease and vitamin D decrease. Serotonin is the “happy” chemical in your body. SAD can cause serotonin levels to dysregulate, leaving you feeling more depressed throughout the winter. Vitamin D typically comes from the sun. With winter, the daylight ends earlier and you are not exposed to the sun as much, causing your body to overproduce melatonin. It leaves you feeling sleepy and sluggish.
How to Shift Your Mood in the Winter
- Regulate your temperature by staying active
- Try to get outside when the sun is shining, and stay active at least 5 days a week
- Keep a proper diet
- I know it’s the holiday season but try to keep your food clean and avoid too much extra sugar
- Make plans
- Staying social can help combat the loneliness of winter. Make plans with people at least once a week
- Seek help
- If you can’t seem to get out of your “winter funk”, seek help. Professionals can help provide clarity to your situation
Written by GUADS staff member Emily with contributions from peakbraincenters.com
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