As winter approaches and the days
begin to shorten, do you feel more tired, less motivated to carry out everyday
activities, inclined to eat more or just sad?
No need to fret, these are all normal effects of SAD, or Seasonal
Affective Disorder. SAD is a type of depression that begins in fall and ends in
the late spring. In Seeking Light in the Refrigerator, Judith J. Wurtman
says that “waking up in the dark, leaving work in the
dark, and encountering gloomy, cloudy, overcast skies at lunchtime may have a
dramatic effect on one’s quality of life” and that in can cause changes in
mood, appetite and energy.
The
most prevalent symptom, according to Wurtman, is tiredness. Many people
attribute it to little sleep, hectic schedules or an oncoming sickness. People
may feel deprived of sleep and cannot sum up the energy to complete daily tasks
rather they desire to just lounge on the couch. Other symptoms include a
lackadaisical attitude towards work, a lack of interest in a social life and a
desire to eat carbohydrates.
Have
you ever suffered from these symptoms, what was your experience? How do you
keep your “winter blues” at bay?
This autumn has been characterized by rain, cold weather, and more rain. When the weather is dismal and dreary outside, it is very hard to remain optimistic and happy amongst piles of homework. However, I have found one sure-fire way to combat this rainy day blues: drinking water. Although this may sound completely unrelated, drinking large amounts of water throughout the day keeps you focused and in a good mood. When we forget to stay hydrated, we run the risk of dehydration. According to Web MD, the primary side effects of dehydration are sluggishness, lethargy, and overall weakness. If you drink the recommended eight cups of water a day, however, your body is healthier and your mind is able to stay more focused. When your body feels strong and fit, you are less likely to be influenced by a couple of clouds in the sky. Therefore, drinking water is my personal go-to method for trying to keep Seasonal Affective Disorder at bay.
ReplyDeleteMy mom suffers from SAD and every autumn and winter it takes a significant toll on her body and mind. She definitely feels more tired as the article says as opposed to the spring and summer when she is wound up with energy. So in order to combat this, my mom, my brother, and I all try to stick to the same routine of eating healthy breakfasts that provide a lot of energy and nutrients throughout the day, taking good vitamins, drinking water as Sue pointed out, and using the "happy lamp." The "happy lamp" is a lamp that emits light energy that mimics the sunlight, therefore allowing your body to soak up some rays while sitting indoors when it's pouring rain outside. These things all provide the extra nutrients that the body needs in the winter in order to fight off those extra feelings of apathy and fatigue caused by SAD.
ReplyDeleteLeaving for school when it's pitch black outside definitely makes it hard to get up and get going every day. For my morning routine, rather than grabbing a cup of coffee, I make sure I have something healthy to eat for breakfast because even if my mind still feels a little tired, my body has energy to function. Coffee on the other hand, gives me a short burst of energy that makes me feel like I'm crashing right around 10. Eventually my mind catches up to my body and I'm able to function in a less zombie-like function as the school day gets started.
ReplyDeleteMy after school technique that I find gives me more energy during these dark months is getting a workout in at least 5 days of the week. Yes, it's definitely hard to get going, but afterwards, I am full of energy and awake. So rather than taking that nap after school, I head to the gym, pumping blood to my brain which prepares me for the mountain of homework that I have to do later.
I never realized that this was an actual disorder; I've known for years that I always felt more down, tired, and stressed as the winter months roll around. Like Ashley said, my method of fighting off the winter blues is through exercise. Elle Woods was right when she said "exercise produces edorphins; endorphins make you happy." It's tough to get out there, but getting your body moving really can have a very positive effect on your levels of attention, tiredness, and mood.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to tiredness this time of year. There is something so depressing about having to wake up before the sun has risen.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the article mentions that less sun exposure in the winter helps prevent skin cancer, but it also makes it harder for our bodies to get vitamin D. An article on about.com (linked below as I don't know how to link in text) discusses this. It says that it is difficult to get adequate amounts of sun November- February when the sun's UVB rays are less intense. UVB rays absorbed by the skin are used to make vitamin D which help the body function.
(http://nutrition.about.com/od/askyournutritionist/f/sunlight.htm)
I agree that the cold weather does impact the lives of those around us, but I feel that this is especially true in children and teenagers because we begin school and other related activities that pile on the work right after a relaxing summer. So I think the adjustment is so quick that we become so exhausted just by the thought of beginning schoolwork. Also, in the colder seasons, people contract colds and illnesses quicker thus leaving us sleep deprived and miserable. In regards to social life, I think as it gets colder people want to find things to do indoors to keep warm and avoid going outside because of the freezing temperatures, and its pretty difficult to look super cute in a big puffy jacket, hat and snow boots. People spend so much time at home there is not outside source of energy to get them up and moving, so people just sit at home, watch TV and eat all day. And since the days are so short, we are programmed to relate darkness with sleep, which motivates us to feel dreary when we awake and around 7pm.
ReplyDeleteI think the best way to get over this feeling is to keep to a normal schedule, and coax into school life by taking time to recharge so you have the energy to go to the football game or party. I personally take Friday afternoon to nap before the weekend begins. Also, like Jess said, its important to stay active during the winter months that will keep you energized and in shape for the coming bathing suit season.
Maybe it's just me, but I love the winter- I like the cold, I like the brisk air, the changing leaves, the snow when it eventually comes. However, I also know that my favoritism for autumn and winter come from the activities I do in them, and how they relate to me. The camp I work at starts up again come autumn, the theater I perform at holds its shows in the beginning of winter, and winter's really the only time I get to see my extended family. Winter means a lot to me, which is why I think I've never really experienced seasonal depression. My answer to those who have, however, would be to just take time for yourself where you can- hang in there until we have loads of days off for Christmas break, giving you ample time to just recharge and relax, and when school starts up again remember that winter marks the halfway point and we're nearly through the year.
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ReplyDeleteThis article was really interesting. I think us IHA girls would attribute all of these symptoms to just being a student at IHA. I find it impossible to get out of bed in the morning. Between the combination of not wanting to leave my blankets and expose myself to the cold air, and the dark sky tricking me into thinking it's to early to get up, I find myself constantly oversleeping. I think everyone's methods of combating SAD were awesome. I personally take naps, but honestly I never seem to wake up refreshed. I'll give exercising a try and see how much it helps!
ReplyDelete(sorry about deleting my other post it had a typo)
I definitely think we experience the winter blues in one way or another. For me, I notice that I tend to gain a couple pounds every winter that I stuggle to shed again before swim suit season. Though I enjoy eating chilled fruit in the summer, in the winter chilled is the last thing on my mind. In cold weather, I am much more inclined to drink hot chocolate or want chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven. Add some whipped cream and marshmallows, and, ta-da, my after school snack just became a thousand-calorie catastrophe. I'm also much less bothered by the couple of extra pounds in the winter because they can easily be hid underneath heavy sweaters and sweatshirts. Though I don't have a set routine for fighting the winter blues, I do think that exercise is a really good idea and probably one that I'm going to try this winter.
ReplyDeleteI was very interested to learn that the tiredness I've been feeling has a defined name: Seasonal Affective Disorder. Like Valerie said in the post, we tend to attribute our sloth-like attitudes towards lack of sleep, hectic schedules, or coming sickness. I know I blame my sloth-like behaviors on IHA, on all the work and therefore the lack of sleep it gives me. I knew I wasn't alone in this, every girl at IHA is just as tired as me. But, I never thought of this attitude as stretching past our little community to the world as a whole. It makes sense though, that with darker days come lazy, sleepy, hungry attitudes as a result. We're all just trying to get through the winter blues.
ReplyDeleteJust the other day as I was leaving my house with my mother, she mentioned how the dreary, dark sky would be bright and sunny if it was summertime. I was never aware that there is a known disorder associated with this. However, I am not sure how much I believe it. Being an IHA student who is under immense stress and has to deal with a hectic schedule on top of college planning, I feel many of the Seasonal Affected Disorder symptoms year round. Yes I will admit that on days when I am already down, looking outside and seeing a cloudy, dark sky does intensify my depressed mood but I do not think that it causes it. Additionally, this amplification of sad feelings on gloomy days happens all year round not just during the winter seasons. While I can see the reasoning behind this disorder, I do not necessarily believe it entirely.
ReplyDeleteThis article is truly accurate in terms of my recent lifestyle. Just the other day I slept in until 2pm, and I spent the rest of the day complaining "I still feel exhausted". After reading this article, I definitely believe that Seasonal Affected Disorder is legitimate, and affects many of us, if not all of us during the fall and winter months. I notice that I feel more dreary or weighed down during the fall and winter months and more energized during the late spring, even though the amount of schoolwork work outside of school I have stays relatively the same throughout the year. I feel more comfortable knowing that my exhaustion can be attributed to a very common seasonal disorder rather than excess work. It gives me more of an incentive to combat my "winter blues" through methods like exercising and adjusting my diet.
ReplyDeleteThis article scared me a bit as I read it because I feel like I experience most of the symptoms of SAD. I've noticed that I feel more eager to do work or be productive during the summer or during times when it is sunny outside rather than during the winter. Now that the days are starting to get shorter as we prepare for the winter season, I feel like I'm starting to get tired more quickly at night. I've found that it's harder for me to complete my homework and study at night because I'm just too tired and I often leave the remainder of my work for the morning before or during homeroom. I feel like I've also lost the energy and motivation to eat healthy and my desire to work my hardest everyday. On late nights, I find myself craving some snacks or even big meals, even when I had eaten just a few hours before. Now maybe this isn't really the cause of the winter blues, but I have noticed a change in my quality of life and personal goals. I think my strategy to overcome the winter blues is to try to finish my work while it's still sunny outside, so that I can sleep early and, in turn, be fully awake and productive during the day. That way, I can stay motivated throughout the day to finish my work with the reward of getting a good amount of sleep overnight.
ReplyDeleteThis article was very interesting to read because I always get these symptoms when it gets cold out and I am more confined to the house than when it is nice out. Whenever it is gloomy and cold out, I always want to just put on my warm sweats, wrap myself in a blanket, and take a long nap. The symptom of increased eating habits occurs during the cold months because people are always inside. I know that whenever I am in the house all day I eat so much more than if I were to spend the whole day being active outside. People get bored when they sit home all the time, so they eat more because it is something to do. Most of the time, I am not even hungry. I just feel like it is necessary to eat to take a break from homework or whatever it is that I am doing. Also, since we are already in a lazy mindset, we tend to grab things that are easily accessible and right in the kitchen, which are usually the unhealthy snacks such as cookies and chips. This description alone just sounds depressing, which is why people feel depressed during the cold months. Everyone would much rather be outside under the sun instead of confined in the house all day.
ReplyDeleteI guess I have always recognized that I behave differently in the winter than I do in the summer. I always thought that maybe the darker hours and colder weather had something to do with it, but I didn't know it was actually a medical problem. Maybe the best way to get over the tiredness and sadness is to fill the day with activities that would be done in nicer weather. A brisk walk or enjoying a summertime treat would be beneficial to break the winter cycle. Spending time in light areas doing simple activities can also give the feeling of simplicity and happiness which we associate with nice weather.
ReplyDeleteI have certainly felt the effects of the "winter blues." The alarm goes off at six in the morning, it's still pitch black outside, and you just want to stay wrapped up under the covers for hours. However, in the summer, I'm usually up and ready to embrace the day! I go for runs in the morning, come home and shower, and then prepare myself for the day - whether I go to the beach or I go swimming or embark on one of the endless adventures that summer provides us with. I feel as though this is a strong contribution to SAD - it seems that there's more to do when it's warmer out. In the winter, chances are that if it's snowing, your parents aren't letting you drive anywhere and, for the most part, you spend time cooped up in the house. This leads to a sense of boredom, which sometimes is misinterpreted as exhaustion or hunger. Even the way we dress in the winter screams lazy! In the summer, we get decked out in our cute little summer outfits with sandals. In the winter, we bundle up in sweatpants, a sweatshirts, and boots. People often say that when you look good, you feel good and I believe in that. Putting time into your appearance gives you an air of confidence usually. Where's the confidence in baggy winter clothes and unshaved legs?
ReplyDeleteSurprisingly, I find myself more productive in the winter. When I'm forced to stay home or inside, I'll actually make myself go to the gym or clean growing pile of clothes in my room--because there's nothing else to do. It may get darker earlier (which my mom, who definitely suffers from SAD, likes to point out every day), but it makes no difference to me, since I'm up doing homework when it is dark anyways. I definitely am prone to eating unhealthier foods in the winter though; high-calorie starbucks lattes are my go-to when I'm feeling especially cold. And as Kasey pointed out, wearing sweatshirts and jeans almost every day doesn't have you constantly picking at the extra skin of your body, which is front and center in summertime shorts and tank tops. Maybe I suffer from SAD, but symptoms reversed. For me, the colder weather means I get to break out the leather jacket and boots at football games, approaching holiday parties, and tons of baking with my grandma and sister--by no means does any of this force me into a lethargy that won't break until spring.
ReplyDeleteI never knew there was something that actually explained my feelings of being extra tired during the winter. I definately do suffer from SAD symptoms because of the gloomy weather that makes me feel like I never want to leave bed. During the winter season, I also play basketball so normally I contribute most of my tiredness from games or long practices but even when the season ends I still feel somewhat "lazy." I normally catch myself wanting to stay home and just watch movies on weekends as compared to the fall season where I go out with my friends or go to football games. When I am not wearing big heavy sweats at home, I do enjoy wearing boos and leather jackets like Christina. I love wearing winter clothes and scarfs and the holiday feeling that comes along with the winter. So although I hate feeling tired or "SAD" during the winter time, I would not traded the feeling of watching the snow from your window for anything!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article it made me realize that the cold gloomy months take a little bit of a toll on all of us. When I walk down the hallway in the mornings I realize people are quiet and still half asleep. Then spring rolls around and people somehow become more energized. I know that it is so much easier for me to get out of bed in the morning when it is warm and sunny outside. Now when it is dark in the mornings and cold outside, I don’t want to brace the cold outdoors let alone get out of bed. The tiredness does not go away though, when I get home just want to nap. However, when it is nice out I somehow am able to get energy to go out to be productive. In order to combat this weather I try to go to the gym as much as possible. Going to the gym gives me energy and wakes me up (at least for a little bit) to accomplish what I have to do that day.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I understand why the cold, dark weather might make some people feel tired or suffer from SAD, I personally love the cold weather. Fall is my favorite season and I often spend fall weekends doing outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding. I am also active in the winter because I ski, and I love the snow. The cold weather also brings holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, which have always been fun for me. My birthday is also in February, which I look forward to. I don’t feel depressed when the weather gets cold and dark because it means that it is the time of year for holiday traditions and fun activities. Usually after my birthday is over and winter drags on, I begin to feel tired and I become sick of the gloom. Waking up to go to school in the dark starts to take its toll on me after a while, and I start to look forward to the spring.
ReplyDeleteJust this morning, I hit snooze five times before rolling out of bed. I had no motivation to get up because it was still dark out and I knew I would be freezing the minute that I got out of bed. It doesn't surprise me that people coined the name SAD to describe the effect that the winter has on me. I think that there are two things that really help me get through this winter drag. The first thing is the IHA swim team. Having meets after school and bonding with my team really helps to make the time go by fast. The second thing is going away to Florida. When I am able to get away to the warm weather and tan, I am always more cheerful. The cheer usually starts to fade just before I am scheduled to go again. I definitely am already feeling the effects of the winter and can't wait for the summer to be here again.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand the whole SAD concept in question here- However, I'm going to have to side with Erin above me on this one, with the unpopular opinion. I personally LIVE for winter, and I find myself getting "sad" when summer begins because I hate the heat! I'm probably part of 2% of the population that doesn't like sun. I know we need it and it's good for you, blah blah blah... But I value snow and rain and all other considerably gloomy and doomy weather. The one toll it definitely takes on my health is dryness, of my general skin, eyes, hair, everything. The forced heating is awful for us and I try to use a humidifier if it gets too arid. However, I personally see winter as my opportunity to wear boots again and go skiing. I think the only real symptom I can derive from the onset of winter is the general feeling of being "under the weather" (pun totally intended) when the climate is in a stage of transition. Remember those weeks where the beginning half is 80 degrees and sunny, and then the temperature drops to 55 with overcast? Sudden fluctuations like that are GUARANTEED to make me a little sick, but my ideal climate is a constant, milder cold with a handful of clouds, so I really shouldn't complain about this one.
ReplyDeleteThis article made me happy to know that I'm not the only one who finds this dark, cold weather having an effect on my mood! A lot of people look forward to the winter, to hot chocolate and the snow, but I literally dread the cold months of December to March. I find it much harder to get up in the dark as compared to during the fall and spring, when the sun helps in getting me up and out of my bed. I also definitely attribute the cold to getting sick and just feeling "under the weather", as being stuck inside with other people all the time is a perfect opportunity for germs to spread. I'm counting down the days until summer, when the sun can wake me up and let me stay outside later, and when I'm free to get some fresh air without having to pile on the winter coat, hat, and gloves.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with this. I know personally in the winter and in cold rainy weather, I'm always in a worse mood. As soon as it's the spring I always feel better physically and mentally. It also makes me think of the reputation of Cornell. Although nothing is proven, a lot of people speculate Cornell's high suicide rate to the extremely cold and dark winters the students go through. One solution I've heard of is a SAD lamp. The lamp (http://www.amazon.com/Uplift-Technologies-DL930-Day-Light-Affective/dp/B0009MFUWC) is similar to sunlight and actually helps people overcome SAD. I'd be interested to see if it was as effective as actual sunlight.
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ReplyDeleteThis article reminded me of an article I’ve read which states that Christmas is, ironically, the time of the year when there are the highest incidences of depression (http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201011/why-people-get-depressed-christmas). I remember reading it and realizing that it’s so true: every year after Christmas, the most cheerful time of year, I get into a bit of a funk. As a victim of Seasonal Affective Disorder, I feel that once Christmas is over, winter drags on and there isn’t much to look forward to.
Having minimal energy in the winter definitely has a negative impact on my mental state, as feeling cold, hungry, tired and weak makes me feel extremely unmotivated. As if waking up in the morning isn’t physically challenging enough, I always wake up knowing I have to push myself to get through another routinely school day, followed by homework, studying, extracurricular activities, and going to work. This makes it really hard to keep my focus during school and stay committed to after school activities, especially when all I want to do is wrap myself in blankets and take a nap when I get home.
But personally I find that caffeine is essential to keeping my mood stable and positive. Some call it an addiction, but I just really look forward to drinking a cup of hot coffee on cold winter mornings and to hitting my assorted flavored tea stash after school; it basically keeps me sane.
Additionally, I’ve noticed that I get into the winter blues when I’m stuck inside doing homework all day. For this reason, I always use my caffeinated energy to force myself to take a break from studying or writing an essay to go to the gym with my friends, no matter how much work I have. It takes my mind off of school and allows me to make time for my social life, mental health, and wellbeing all at once. I also tend to feel more upbeat and productive right when I come home from the gym, allowing me to complete my unfinished homework.
I think that us IHA girls are especially vulnerable to symptoms of SAD because we all tend to exert all of our energy into school work, and forget that we need to maintain a balance with all other aspects of our lives, including making time for ourselves and mental wellbeing. Our most important priority during the switch of seasons should be to take care of our health in order to increase energy levels and to stay in a optimistic, positive state of mind.
I definitely agree with this article and it makes me feel better to know that my sluggish winter behavior is something that a lot of people also experience. I wouldn't say that I'm cranky or unhappy during the colder and darker months because there are still fun things to look forward to like snow days, Christmas, etc. However, I do experience the tired, hungry, lazy symptoms of the winter months. I would much rather be cuddled up with a warm blanket and a snack in front of the TV than outside in the cold. Though it is very difficult to crack these bad habits, I have found that pushing myself to go out of my comfort zone really helps. Whether it means forcing myself to go to the gym or simply bundling up for a walk outside, pushing myself to do these things really makes me feel better and more energized afterward. Though it is often difficult to do, it really is healthy for both the body and mind. Sometimes focusing your mind on something other than tedious schoolwork is just what you need to shake a bad mood. I know that drinking a lot of water is a big help, but I always have a hard time sticking with a good water drinking habit. This winter I'm going to make an effort to drink more water and hopefully that will help to fight these symptoms of SAD.
ReplyDeleteI too agree with this article. I know that my mom definitely suffers from some symptoms SAD. She feels rejuvenated during the summer contrasted to the slow and depressing attitude she has during the winter. I have seen the effects of this disorder, but I personally suffer from it on a much lower level. I think it is natural for people to feel gloomy or depressed during the winter which is constantly dark and foreboding. Weather effects every aspect of our lives including our mood. For me it is hard to concentrate on the problems in my life when God has given me a beautiful and sunny summers day. Personally summer makes me appreciate those gifts that I do have. Oppositely, on a dreary and rainy winter day it is easy for us to fall into the habit of focusing on the depressing aspects of life. I also think that my hectic schedule also contributes to my depressing mood during the winter. I do not have a summer job and I have little to no worries compared to the winter when I constantly hundreds of different things on my mind. I believe that SAD is a very real and relevant disorder that many people, including myself, suffer from.
ReplyDeleteI never realized that it could be the seasons that made me tired. I thought that it was just getting back to school, and then winter break when you don't want to do anything over the holidays but eat and sleep. I know that I am more tired during those seasons, especially now but I didn't think that it was for that reason. It is an interesting theory but I wouldn't say that I am depressed. I love the Christmas season, snow, everything about winter. I like it better than summer. So yes, I think I am more tired during this time of the year but I don't think that I am completely depressed.
ReplyDeleteThis may sound rather outlandish, but this SAD affect is me in the summer. Whenever it is sunny out, I feel rather anxious. I start to feel jittery in a bad way and like there isn't enough time in the day. I start to sweat and get nervous. When it rains or is cold out on the other hand, I am alert and focused. More importantly, I'm calm. There is something about rain that personally calms me down Many people said they feel depressed in this kind of weather, but I just feel relaxed. When I'm this relaxed, I feel like I have all the time in the world and therefore am able to accomplish anything I set my mind to. I'm not sure if SAD applies to the days filled with sunshine that supposedly everyone loves, but in my case, it should because that is when I feel out of sorts and out of my daily routine.
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