Winter Blues and Beyond: Embracing Mental Wellness All Year
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Winter Blues and Beyond: Embracing Mental Wellness All Year
By Chris Maney
As winter approaches, the sunlight becomes more of a treasure. The slow march to cold temperatures wither away the leaves on the trees. The holidays grow nearer, reminding locals of not only familial joy but loss. In a complex arrangement of environment and biology, many find themselves depressed and diagnosed with a major depressive disorder during the winter months. These “winter blues,” are described traditionally as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Daniel Byrge, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) of Mountain People’s Health Council explains, “In the winter, SAD seems to increase with less sunlight. Sunlight impacts serotonin levels, so decreased sunlight decreases ability to maintain healthy serotonin. This is also true with Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D promotes healthy serotonin levels. We obtain Vitamin D in our exposure to sunlight. We also obtain Vitamin D in our food intake. So, it is increasingly important to ensure healthy diet and vitamins during winter.”
The DSM-V, or Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, is a book which classifies mental health disorders on specific criteria of symptoms. The DSM doesn’t describe the syndrome by its original name, SAD – instead it titles it by its core symptoms.
In the DSM, SAD is officially titled, Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern. Patients will present with low energy levels, feelings of hopelessness, dread, and a loss of pleasure. These symptoms are not to be confused with healthy responses to loss, stress, or life experience, though they may share similar cause, as the symptoms of major depressive episodes rival diagnosis of cancer and heart disease when patients describe their quality of life. Key differences noted in unhealthy responses include a sustained loss of interest in activities, long lasting disturbances in sleep, and feelings of hopelessness.
Unfortunately, these episodes not only carry its own tole on morbidity, but can also contribute, in a small percentage, to mortality, as suicide risks are elevated among all patients with depression, regardless of form.
Contrary to popular belief, suicide rates are highest in the spring and summer according to national statistics, not the fall and winter months, which are associated with SAD. The leading theories are inconclusive, from increased neurological inflammation to allergies contributing to depressive states, the stresses of social get together in the spring and summer, and elevated risks of mania with increased sunlight. While Mental health issues may have a seasonal pattern; they are ever persistent with different causes at different times of the year. Any season, month, or day may bring about traumatic memories and feelings. “People here in our community seem to struggle during the holidays if they have lost a loved one or are disconnected from family members for several reasons. People seem financially stressed during the holidays too,” states Mrs. Byrge. “Suicide can occur any season. Talk about it, do not avoid the topic,” she continues. What is most important for patients and peers alike is the awareness that help is not seasonal. Every individual crisis is one that can be addressed. While depression may present itself in the winter, spring, fall, or summer, its causes may be different. According to Daniel Byrge, LCSW, those with seasonal affective disorder may use lumens lights to address some of their challenges. No matter the season – one’s mental health challenges can be addressed with the right resources.
For those with seasonal depression, one can start cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, which emphasizes changing one’s cognitive thought patterns in winter – as these thoughts may directly be associated with aversive feelings like sadness and anxiety. For those without a seasonal component, the same treatments exist – medication, cognitive therapy, and behavioral therapy. It’s important to look out for the ones we love not only this winter, but for the months and years to come because statistics have never been prophecy.
For immediate assistance in a crisis contact 988, or a local crisis line. One can also schedule an appointment with a medical provider to discuss their concerns.