The holidays are well over and for most of us, we find ourselves once again, facing the rest of a long, cold winter. Images of a white Christmas are quickly replaced with those of gray skies and sunless days. Sound depressing? For millions of Americans it is. Over the last decade, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has been discovered to be a "specifier" of depression among people. Usually associated with those living in colder climates with longer winters, some common terms are "winter blues" or "winter blahs"; though spring and summer have similar effects on a smaller population. Regardless of what you call it, winter depression is real and can become a serious issue, especially for seniors who are already more susceptible to depression overall.
Let's face it, no one wants to go outside in the freezing cold and walk/drive in icy conditions, For most seniors, this is even more true. Physical limitations, lack of warm clothing and fear of illness, keep many seniors inside for months at a time. This can easily result in isolation that lends itself to depression. Lack of activity also can lead to lethargy and the tendency to gain weight, again fueling any feelings of depression and creating a cycle of hopelessness. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or suspect that a senior you know may be suffering from SAD, there are several steps you can take to help yourself or another to combat these feelings. "Modern Senior Living" magazine suggests:
Regular Exercise (Exercise releases endorphins which affect the brain by causing feelings of euphoria)
Sun Exposure (Try to get outside for a few minutes everyday to feel the natural sunlight, making sure to dress appropriately.)
Attitude (Work at staying positive. Make yourself think of enjoyable winter activities and not dwelling on the negative ones.)
Change Routines (Don't get stuck doing the same things and going to the same places. Change the stores and/or restaurants you frequent. Learn a new card game and teach your friends.)
Eat Healthy (It's easy to gain weight in the winter, which can easily create depression. Resist the urge to load up on carbohydrates and fat laden foods. Though fresh produce can be expensive in the winter months, healthy soups and frozen fruits and vegetable are always available.)
Fight Germs (Getting a cold or the flu can make winter feel even longer. Wash your hands regularly and sanitize your home to halt the spread of bacteria and viruses.)
Are you someone who suffers from SAD? Do you know someone who does? What are some of the symptoms you/they experience? What have you/they done to overcome these feelings? As always, we encourage any and all comments.
The holidays are well over and for most of us, we find ourselves once again, facing the rest of a long, cold winter. Images of a white Christmas are quickly replaced with those of gray skies and sunless days. Sound depressing? For millions of Americans it is. Over the last decade, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has been discovered to be a "specifier" of depression among people. Usually associated with those living in colder climates with longer winters, some common terms are "winter blues" or "winter blahs"; though spring and summer have similar effects on a smaller population. Regardless of what you call it, winter depression is real and can become a serious issue, especially for seniors who are already more susceptible to depression overall.
