When the Winter Blues Get Dark

Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder – and What to Do If You’re Feeling SAD

Literally the ONLY thing I like about winter: the fire-and-ice sunrises and sunsets that take my breath away.

But the rest of it — the snow, the ice, the cold, the darkness. I’d gladly trade a winter wonderland white Christmas for an hour more of sunlight each day.

I recently shared on Instagram (where I micro-blog when I don’t have the energy to actual-blog) that I’m not at my best right now. As always, the outpouring of support blew me away. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is very real. I deal with mild anxiety year-round, but it tends to spiral immediately following Halloween and continue that way until the snow melts and spring peeks its head up at last.

The darkness, you guys. It’s sunset before 4:30 pm that kills me.

What are the symptoms? I got an email from BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois in mid-December on this very topic and damn if I don’t have every. single. one.

❄️ Low energy

❄️ Sleeping a lot

❄️ Overeating

❄️ Weight gain

❄️ Craving carbs

❄️ Social withdrawal

The email continues with this gem: “You may be more likely to get SAD if you are young, female, or live far from the equator.” Check ✔️, check ✔️, check ✔️. (I’m taking poetic license on being young, OK?)

And then there’s more: “You may also be prone to SAD if you have depression or a family history of depression.” Check-DOUBLE check ✔️✔️.

Does any of this sound familiar? I remember how I felt when my doctor first brought it up to me: “Ohhhh, there’s a name for this?!” If you’re having the same ah-ha moment, keep reading.

So, what can you do about it?

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Start by talking to your doctor. I can’t emphasize this more — if the winter blues are interfering with your quality of life, don’t suffer in silence. Get help.

There are many things that can alleviate symptoms:

Vitamin D and fish oil supplements [Started these the day I read the email from BCBSIL.]

Light therapy [I’m researching the efficacy of this now, and I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from others who use this inexpensive device with mood-lifting results]

Talk therapy [Literally beneficial in every situation, a therapist you trust is worth every penny and time investment.]

Medication [You already know that’s a way of life for me – I haven’t changed my dosage of Zoloft just yet, but it’s an option based on consultation with your physician.]

Seasonal affective disorder is something I’ve been dealing with since before it was a formal diagnosis, so I can tell you from my experience, some years are just worse than others. But even in the darkest of winter, there’s always light around the corner, even if you can’t see it right now.

I’m always just an email or DM away if you’re feeling low.