TOO BAD, SO SAD

Years ago I moved to a different state. The sky would look like this for months.

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I hated it. Maybe grey sky suits you, and I am glad. It drove me crazy. In January and February I had an insane compulsion to get away. I would incessantly day dream about tropical islands. Moreover, I felt apathetic about anything not related to naps and food. I was commiserating with a friend and they said “Maybe you had SAD.” Reading about it, I think I did. 

Text book SAD, Seasonal Affected Disorder. SAD is caused by your circadian rhythm being off kilter, plus increased melatonin, and decreased amounts of serotonin. SAD is cyclic and usually goes away with the seasons. SAD can occur in the fall winter months as well as spring and summer months. 

Fall/Winter SAD is characterized by depression, loss of energy and interest in activities, social withdrawal, oversleeping, appetite changes, and difficulty concentrating.  Spring/Summer SAD is characterized by anxiety, insomnia, irritability, agitation, weight loss, poor appetite, and increased sex drive.

SAD isn’t considered an official psychiatric disorder, however take it SAD seriously. If you have complications like suicidal thoughts, social withdrawal, school or work problems, and substance abuse see a physician or psychiatrist to get an accurate diagnosis. 

Otherwise consider these suggestions to manage your symptoms.

Let the Sunshine in - Open the curtains or blinds in your home to let light through.
Go outside - Be outdoors on sunny days. Take walk or sit outside for a few hours.
Regular exercise - We know exercise relieves stress and anxiety by boosting all the good hormones.
Take care of you - Eat a balanced diet, sleep enough, and relax a little.
Manage Stress - Unmanaged stress can cause depression, overeating, and other unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Honestly, put down that bottle, it isn’t going to help you.
Socialize - Connect with people you enjoy, they can offer support. But not boring people, forget them.
Take a trip - Take a trip in a sunny warm location.

Or if taking that trip is not possible, I can recommend spending some time in a sauna, or slathering on a high SPF sun block, and spending a few minutes in a tanning bed. Mind you I don’t endorse indoor tanning, I’m saying that a little bit of warmth and light for a few minutes, with sunscreen or in clothes, felt rather nice. Throw in a pina colada and you’re there in Mazatlan for a few minutes a day.