Winter Blues

I will present a series of posts about how to prevent the Winter Blues as we head into the dark months of the year. In the Pacific Northwest, and in other parts of the world, winter brings a limited amount of sunlight. In addition, especially in the northern regions, daylight hours are short. The lack of light and cold weather can have an impact on our mental health. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is still being researched. It is currently defined in the diagnostic manual as a Seasonal Pattern Specifier applied to the pattern of Major Depressive Episodes in Bipolar I, Bipolar II or Major Depressive Disorder. I recommend seeing a professional if you have daily symptoms of depression that cause significant impairment to your social and occupational functioning for two weeks or more. Research has shown that prevalence increases with higher latitudes, and younger people are at higher risk for winter depressive episodes. Some research suggests the seasonal pattern may not always be linked to a Major Depressive Episode. The suggestions I will present in these posts can be helpful for anyone that tends to feel down during the winter months. Symptoms of Winter Blues can include increased moodiness, changes in appetite, changes in sleep patterns, decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities, low energy, difficulty concentrating, increased feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and increased use of mood altering substances.