Winter Blues also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder
The Midlands has seen cold and gloomy weather lately, mirroring today's condition. If you're feeling your spirits taking a nosedive because of it, you're not alone.
COLUMBIA, S.C.(WOLO) – The Midlands has seen cold and gloomy weather lately, mirroring today’s condition. If you’re feeling your spirits taking a nosedive because of it, you’re not alone.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a depression that typical happens during the winter months when the sunlight decides to play hide-and-seek.
“Lack of sunlight in the daytime, shorter days, it is the not getting outside because of the cold weather so you’re not doing activities that you want to do. It is after the holiday season with exhaustion and recuperating,” said Catherine Sayles who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Thrivework.
According to Sayles, those feeling the winter blues often have fatigue even though they are getting plenty of sleep, are over eating, have no interest in usual activities, and are less social. She names practical ways to combat these feelings.
“Getting into a routine of going to bed at the same time and getting up at the same time, eating healthy, and avoiding misuse of alcohol. Get into nature its kind of the opposite of what we want to do when we are feeling down and depressed but the opposite action is to get up, dress in bright clothes. Do things that make you feel good,”said Catherine Sayles
Sayles recommends seeking help if the symptoms interfere with your everyday life.
“That treatment of all the work that you put into learning new skills and processing your feelings is such a reward, especially when you are able to get to the other side and really feel happy again and feel like you are living that life worth living,” said Catherine Sayles.
If you’re interested in speaking with Sayles, click here. To find a therapist suitable for you, visit Thriveworks in Columbia.
