Seasonal Depression

Seasonal depression is called by other names such as "winter blues", seasonal affective disorder (SAD), holiday blues,….etc. It can be contributed to by a number of things. In many regions as the days get shorter, SAD is much more common in Northern latitudes (where the days get much shorter and earlier) then Southern latitudes. Estimates go as far as predicting that less than 1% of the populations in Florida are affected, while in Alaska it can be as much as 10%, and that is in the region alone. Those estimates are talking about just the seasonal affective disorder caused by decreased sunlight. There is also a seasonal depression called the holiday blues because of the increased stress, tension, and expectations, that come hand in hand with the "family" holidays that happen in the winter. There is probably nothing more family orientated than Christmas, followed only perhaps by Thanksgiving. If you have any "problems" in dealing with your family, no family, or a poorly-functioning family unit (be it immediate or extended), there is no other time like the holidays for these simmering pots of pent up anger, jealousy, sibling rivalry, or resentments to boil over. Whatever the cause going through seasonal depression is no laughing matter. Symptoms may include weight gain, depression or depressed mood, lack of energy, fatigue, sleep changes (sleeping more or not able to sleep), increased/decreased appetite which may include cravings, reduced work productivity, irritability, and changes in sex drive.

I've told you the bad news about seasonal depression. Now, you're probably asking yourself, why am I telling you this if there is nothing you can do about it? No one can change the length of the days or cancel the holidays. That's true, but there are ways of helping yourself through the seasonal depression, while feeling good about the holidays and yourself.