Winter officially arrives in a little over a week.
For some it’s the happiest time of the year, but for many others it’s quite the opposite.
Over three million Americans are estimated to suffer from seasonal affective disorder, also commonly referred to as “winter blues.” Basically, it means that the arrival of winter also tends to bring about the arrival – or worsening – of depression symptoms in these individuals.
There’s been some debate in recent years over the nature of that diagnosis, but there is certainly evidence to suggest that a lot of people do get depressed around this time of year. Many believe it’s caused by a combination of holiday-related stress and reduced sunlight exposure.
But while the winter blues may feel inevitable for those who commonly suffer through them, there are ways to mitigate the depression-inducing effects of winter.
Working out helps, as does forcing yourself to get outside for at least 30 minutes a day – even if it’s cold. Sunlight and fresh air can help to temper the effects of depression, especially seasonal-based depression. And let’s be real, it never really gets that cold in Jax.
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And in our upcoming Winter 2018 issue, we’ll also provide details about local mental health resources that may be of service during particularly rough times.
So if you’re someone who tends to feel down during the holidays, at the very least remember that you’re not alone. And for those fortunate enough to not have this problem, remember to be kind to others who may be struggling this season.
