Your Brain Matter(s): Shedding Light on Wintertime Blues
- Hannah Darnell
- Oct 31
- 2 min read
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that occurs during fall or winter, rarely during spring or summer. Seasonal affective disorder is more common in women than in men.
SAD occurs when the long summer days are cut short due to daylight saving time. The body has a decrease in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the brain to feel happy when we're sad.
SAD may also result from increased melatonin, a hormone that triggers sleep. The brain secretes this hormone earlier than it does during summertime due to the immediate darkness that follows dinner.
Signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include the following:
Brain fog
Increased sleepiness
Loss of interest in everyday activities
Irritability
Social isolation
Diminished Libido
Increased sugar cravings
Treatment
A psychiatrist may diagnose seasonal affective disorder after a thorough evaluation.
Treatment includes antidepressants and light therapy (or phototherapy). You can also purchase light boxes on Amazon or turn on house lights on the brightest setting.
Treatments may also include a referral for psychotherapy, which means talking to a therapist about any stressors that you may be having during the season. Your health practitioner may also request lab work to check your vitamin C and D levels. Lack of sunlight on your skin can cause decreased levels of vitamin D, which is responsible for absorbing vitamin C, which may make you feel fatigued as well.
Nursing Tips 👩⚕️(❁´◡`❁)🧠
Remember, friend, you’re never alone. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, whether during the winter or at any other time, please get in touch with your mental health professional today. Seeking professional help is a crucial step towards managing seasonal affective disorder, and it's a sign of strength, not weakness. You're not alone in this journey.
If you’re struggling to rise in the morning or have thoughts of self-harm, please call 988. All communication is confidential; talk out your frustrations rather than letting them build up inside you like a steamy pressure cooker.
To reduce stress and potentially trigger other, more severe symptoms, take frequent rest breaks during this super-busy season, and delegate tasks to each family member and friend. You may be able to help someone else struggling with these thoughts and feelings in the future. Caring for others begins with you.
The Bible references verses about not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as there's safety in numbers. Visit your local church for assistance; the one I attend offers free printed literature from NAMI in the fellowship hall, helping those with depression. Remember, you're part of a community that cares about you and is here to support you. You're not alone in this journey.
Conclusion
Remember, seasonal affective disorder is a treatable condition. With proper support and treatment, you can effectively manage your symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Don't lose hope. You're not alone in this journey, and there is light at the end of the tunnel.
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