Sometimes I get this uncontrollable urge within me to write. It is as if the atmosphere is calling out to my soul and whispering what to put on paper. Words just flow out seamlessly.

Photo/Poem Credit: Cooky Wright,2013 “I walk outside and gaze into the icy blue sky. The cool breeze brushes against my face sending a shiver up my spine. The feeling of emptiness intrigues my soul. My senses are suddenly awakened. The season when all the color fades and all that remains are lifeless memories delicately dancing in the wind. This death of nature is a rebirth of new things. An untold story awaiting to flourish at its darkest moment.”

Every year at the start of the winter season, when the sun falls behind the horizon and all goes dark a little earlier than normal, I seem to be a little more in touch with my feelings. My heart opens up and pours out like a broken faucet with no emergency off valve. My insomnia kicks in and my days and nights can sometimes merge into one.

My brain doesn’t want to shut off and my creative side starts to take over. I suddenly become full of emotions. My empathy for others is heightened. I avoid the news, as every sad story is intensified by ten. My heart aches for the world. Sometimes I will lie in bed and stare at the ceiling in the dark of night. It is as if I am waiting for the sun to return with its light and warmth to surround me like a warm blanket on a cold and lonely night.

During this time I always have to stop and remind myself that I am OKAY. I will make it through this somewhat bleak season. These feelings are only temporary. I try to use this time to pour my feelings onto paper.

It feels like this happens for no particular reason, but there could be a logical explanation. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is sometimes referred to as winter blues or seasonal depression. SAD is a mood disorder that can happen to people with no history of mental health disorders. People who suffer from SAD usually have no other depressive symptoms during the warmer seasons but will experience depressive symptoms during each winter season.

According to an article from Psychology Today, SAD is estimated to affect 10 million Americans. Women are four times more likely to have SAD than men. The estimated age of onset for SAD is between 18 and 30. The cause of SAD is unknown. It is thought to be related to the amount of melatonin produced by the body in relation to the exposure of sunlight each day. Fluctuating serotonin levels are another theory used to explain the possible cause of SAD.

Symptoms to look for include but are not limited to: feelings of sadness, hypersomnia, weight gain, decreased energy levels, social withdraw, and fatigue.

Risk factors for SAD include family history of depression and living far away from the equator.

Treatment options vary depending on severity of symptoms. A Doctor should always be consulted for medical advice and evaluation to rule out other possibilities before starting a treatment plan.

A mild case of SAD may show decreased symptoms from treatment as simple as light therapy. Light therapy is the exposure to an artificial light source via a light box. Artificial light exposure is said to work as a substitute for sunshine, which is known to decrease SAD symptoms. Light boxes can easily be purchased online. A Doctor may prescribe medications and/or counseling if other therapies are not improving the symptoms of SAD.

I get though the winter blues by staying active, getting enough rest, avoiding triggers, knowing when to consult a doctor, talking about it, remaining socially active, and reminding myself this is temporary. I try to remain as positive as possible.

I was hesitant to write this piece as I only suffer slightly with the “winter blues”, and I have no official diagnosis. After further research on the subject, I decided to put this blog together. I am sadden by the stigmas in our society associated with mental health. SAD is nothing to be ashamed of. Mental wellness should always be a top priority and treated with the same amount of dignity as any other medical issue. If you feel that you or a loved one may be suffering, please seek medical council.

Photo Credit: Medscape/Google Earth

For more information on SAD visit seasonalaffectivesupportgroups.com

Resources:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov

https://www.psychologytoday.com

https://medlineplus.gov

https://www.mayoclinic.org

https://reference.medscape.com