Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Will the sunshine peak through? Will Father Winter magically create more snowy flurries? Do we need our vitamin D supplements? What is your go-to favorites during the winter months? Regardless if you are a diehard skier or find yourself browsing airline websites trying to strike the best deal on roundtrip tickets to Florida, there is something to ponder regarding the term, seasonal affective disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder classified under depression’s umbrella which can occur at the same time each year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs in climates where there is less sunlight and sunrays during certain periods of the year. Symptoms of SAD include: fatigue, depression, hopelessness, and social withdrawal. SAD Affective over 3 million people each year and is very much treatable.
With the frequency and commonality of Seasonal Affective Disorder, researchers and scientists have found numerous avenues of treatment. First and foremost however, is the awareness piece to gain an understanding of your symptoms and current experience. We have to name it to tame it, right? Secondly, the power of our own voice can very much so be a blessing and a curse. With SAD, often times our inner voice whispers words of sweet nothing, such as: “go back to bed, blow them off, nothing is worth my energy, meh.” If we can catch that inner voice before it increases its volume levels, maybe we can shift it a bit. Maybe we can remind that inner voice remembering that moving the body is important and so is the breeze of the outdoors.
To piggyback these first few health tips, Kelly Rohan in her book, “Coping with the Seasons: A cognitive behavioral approach to seasonal Affective disorder,” chimes in. She suggests: creating self-statement or coping cards to remind us of self-care, involving yourself in positive social interactions or making a point to interact with others seeing as we are animals of a pack and need that human connection, engage in competency experiences or participating in activities that make you feel skilled or competent, and lastly doing activities that are not compatible with feeling depressed (skiing, walking outside in the brisk temperature, dancing to pop music, taking a painting class, taking a trip to the sunshine, planning an adventure, etc). Additionally, purchasing a happy light or therapy lamp. Private practitioner, Laura Widger, LCSW, owner of Inner Peace and Strength in Ellicottville has one these beauties in her office. Give her a call to schedule and navigate the temporary SAD path with a skilled therapist/clinician.
Laura Widger is a NY State Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience in the field of emotional wellness and mental health. She owns and operates Inner Peace and Strength - Mental and Emotional Health, and specializes in trauma healing with children and adults. She lives in Cattaraugus County with her husband, children, and German short haired dog. Laura personally and professionally strives to promote internal self leadership and the discovery of true genuineness and balance within.