Winter Blues

Winter is a season when many find themselves not quite at their best: low on energy and gloomy in mood, resonating with the chill and fog outside the window.

Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as it is now called by mind-scientists, is indeed rather common affecting one of ten people. It often gets passed off as laziness or excess sensitivity to cold, but can also manifest as social withdrawal, oversleeping, appetite changes and weight gain. Many get unduly sluggish during these times. It affects women more often, plunging many into depression.

The insidious entry of winter, with temperatures dropping, days getting shorter and the feeble sun peeping occasionally between fog and cloud, makes it difficult for many of us to notice the link between the weather and our mood. If however we think back on what we did at these times over the last few years, a recognizable pattern often begins to emerge. Patients are often able to link their feelings to this particular time of the year, perhaps around their husband’s birthday or Christmas or MakarSankranti.

Researchers believe that the root of SAD may lie in the conflict of our body clock with the altered day-night cycle that artificial light causes. Many animals hibernate in winters passing several months in a deep sleep, and waking up and being active during summers. Perhaps a similar tendency occurs in higher forms of life as well. But our penchant to defy the natural light-darkness cycle that matches our awake-sleep body clock by the use of artificial light that keeps us up at nights might be playing havoc.

Winter depression can sometimes be severe with feelings of hopelessness and negativity impact professional work output, relationships or life quality, necessitating a visit to your doctor.

There are few simple ways that you can adopt to push back your blues and energize yourself.

Going out on a sunny day and getting as much sunshine as possible is a first simple measure.Don't let colder weather chase you inside; it's what jackets and mittens were made for. Go outdoor (not to a mall! the botanical garden or the zoo are more appropriate places) take a walk around the block, eat lunch at the park or simply sit on a bench and relax.

Staying active is the key. Many notice a definite decrease in their energy levels every December when the days start getting shorter. Pulling yourself out from the bed or the sofa, and take a regular brisk walk or play a game of shuttle to invigorate yourself.

Light therapy also seems to help. Throw open the curtains to let the sunshine stream in as soon as you wake up. Radiation heaters could be more helpful than blowers, as they provide light in addition. Use indoor lights if necessary, but remember not to overuse them into late nights and disrupt your circadian rhythm.

Lastly, keep telling yourself ‘ If winter is here, can spring be far away’.

As published in HT City ( Hindustan Times) dated 19th January, 2014.