You’ve most likely heard the term before, especially from a friend or coworker: “Oh, I’m fine. I’ve just a little case of ‘the winter blues.’”
The popular and often misrepresented term is defined as a type of depression that begins with the onset of the long, cold, wintery months, and eases with the coming of each green, hopeful spring. It’s characterized by feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, depression, and fatigue. This serious and common disorder is medically called SAD, or Seasonal affective disorder, and it creeps its way into many people’s minds during, ironically, the holliest, jolliest times of year. New studies are also showing that women are more likely to develop SAD during the darker, colder seasons.
Women and Depression
While women are statistically more likely than men to have depressive episodes or clinical depression at some point in their lives, we are also more prone to SAD, and may have a harder time kicking those stubborn symptoms. Studies believe that women generally may experience higher rates of depressive episodes due to the onset of hormonal activity at the start of puberty, and the persistent presence of the hormonal roller coasters that are menstruation, PMS, pregnancy, and menopause—not to mention all the emotional strife that comes from being a woman in a man’s world.
Science suggests that women are more likely than men to worry about the financial strain of gift-giving, and find it hard to balance the pressures of the wallet and the expectations of generosity that come with holidays like Christmas.
Add on the dreary vibe that winter brings and the lack of sunshine and access to nature—a proven mood-booster—and you might find yourself broaching this state of extreme sadness, which affects women four times more than men.
Ho, Ho, Hum
Because with cold, dark fall and winter come the holidays (at least in the Northern hemisphere), it can be especially difficult to keep your spirits bright. Science suggests that women are more likely than men to worry about the financial strain of gift-giving, and find it hard to balance the pressures of the wallet and the expectations of generosity that come with holidays like Christmas. They are also more likely to take on added responsibilities during Thanksgiving or New Year’s to cook, clean, impress in-laws, pick up family from the airport, and make sure the kitchen smells like just the right combination of cinnamon and vanilla.
Allow yourself to feel your feelings honestly and unapologetically, and then, get to work.
For some, these stressors make it hard to remember the reason for the season, and, additionally, SAD can contribute to less productivity overall with the lack of precious Vitamin D. Pair the darkness outside with the deepening darkness inside, and you may find yourself backed into a corner when you ought to be decorating the gingerbread men with your family.
Lean Into It
There is hope for fighting SAD, and there’s no better time of year than when you’re in the throes of it. Of course, if your symptoms progress and you feel you can’t manage things alone, remember that you don’t have to, and consult with your doctor.
If you do think you’re feeling unusually stressed out, overwhelmed, or think you might be experiencing depression this season or any, it’s important to make a phone call to your doctor’s office and schedule a conversation.
This holiday season, choose at least two of these recommended tips to keep your mind focused, your heart light, and your body healthy, and see how it goes. Allow yourself to feel your feelings honestly and unapologetically, and then, get to work. Check out Live Your Dream for further inspiration and motivation.
- Get outside. Go for a short walk on your lunch break at work, even if it’s just a lap around the building. Feel whatever bright light or full-blown sun there is, and turn your face to it. Feel the warmth, and listen to your inner dialogue. What kinds of things are you saying to yourself today?
- Hobby it up. Whatever used to get your heart racing, made you feel joy and peace and focus, find that thing again and do it. If you’ve packed away the watercolors and given up hope of being Bob Ross’s posthumous protégé after one failed painting, drag them out again, and treat yourself to a new, pricey pack of brushes. Whatever gets your heart beating in that fiery, exciting way, do that.
- Move around. Everyone says exercise is an aide for any ailment, and you’re probably tired of hearing this tip. But you’ll be more tired and sluggish if you don’t get some, so get up and try something active. Everyone recommends a different amount (think any motivational article’s or your own PCP’s “aim for at least 30 minutes, three times a week”), but realistically, do as much as you find is helpful, in whatever form feels best; cardio, stretching, walking, HIIT, hot yoga, Pilates, or dog-walking.
- Talk about it. It’s not a bad idea to listen to that coworker who mentioned the winter blues, and talk about your SAD over a cappuccino break. Having someone who sympathizes and can even empathize is often incredibly comforting, and it’s wise to keep yourself from harboring your depression until you’re ready to burst. Instead, talk with somebody you feel close to, or find a really groovy journal and a set of gel pens and get to writing down your thoughts.
- Treat yourself. This might be as overdone as the exercise advice, but somehow, we don’t have as hard a time doing it. It’s easy to spend a little extra money and time during a difficult week and grab yourself take-out dinner of comfort food, or to let yourself stay up late reading a really good book or binging a Netflix documentary series, so, just give in. If it makes you forget stress and sadness for a while, let yourself relax.
If you do think you’re feeling unusually stressed out, overwhelmed, or think you might be experiencing depression this season or any, it’s important to make a phone call to your doctor’s office and schedule a conversation.
It’s normal to think that you’re “not depressed enough” or that you don’t have big enough problems, or even to convince yourself that because this feeling is probably seasonal, it doesn’t warrant some professional help; talk to your primary care physician anyway. If you already have a therapist or other trusted health professional, reach out to them. Take care of your mental health so you can continue enjoying what beauty winter has to offer.
Olivia is a nationally published poet and nonfiction writer based in Connecticut. She earned her B.A. in Creative Writing and English and specializes in Women’s Studies and feminist writing. When she is not at her full time corporate job, she is working on her goal of reading 50 books in 2020, and writing as much as she can. You can find her and read her complete works at oliviacyr.com.