A lot of people feel more tired or sluggish or have other mild symptoms during winter. There is less sunlight available; sometimes much less, and that can effect a lot of us. But how do you know the difference between the milder form of winter blues or the more serious experience of seasonal affective disorder? My blog posts today and tomorrow will help to make it more clear. Today we take a look at winter blues. Both sets of symptoms can be helped by hygge-ing your winter, but the degree or intensity of your experience will dictate just how much help you need. Either way, my goal is to empower you to bring comfort, peace & wellbeing to your winter experience. "Ever since my colleagues and I first described seasonal affective disorder (Sad) at America’s National Institute of Mental Health in the mid-1980s, it was obvious that we were not dealing with an all-or-nothing phenomenon, but with a spectrum of emotional and behavioural problems linked to the seasons. At one extreme are people with Sad, who struggle during the short dark days of winter, sometimes to a disabling degree. At the other are those who wake up cheerfully, rain or shine. In between are those with the winter blues. They manage with difficulty during the dark days but are less joyful, productive and creative than usual." From what I have read, what creates the difference between the two is the level or intensity of problems that result. Though many people have winter blues, it doesn't keep them from doing functioning in any area of their lives, which is not always true for those who have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Winter blues makes life's demands more difficult to do, but those who have it, manage in spite of it. And since it's about severity rather than having different symptoms, both groups can have less energy, a tendency to sleep more, carbohydrate cravings, irritability. But those who are at the lower end of the spectrum find it easier to live with or manage the symptoms. At the other end, the symptoms are more intense and more difficult to manage or endure. "Without a proper diagnosis, it is often easy to confuse true SAD with a lighter case of the 'winter blues.' This refers to the time in which the many changes in your lifestyle, such as reduced activity and socialization, a changing sleep schedule, and less natural sunlight, leads to tired, sluggish and generally less happy feelings." ~ Mary Anne Alexander, MD Tomorrow, we'll take a closer look at the more extreme version of winter blues, often referred to as seasonal affective disorder. Though they are used interchangeably, professionals often distinguish between the two by looking at the severity of symptoms. See you then! Love, Jeanine
16 Comments
1/2/2018 11:57:27 am
I have encountered the term SAD often but never really looked in-depth into it so your posts here are providing me great info. now that I think about it, I think I know people who are affected with it without realizing it
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1/2/2018 12:46:53 pm
That's neat, that you are recognizing that, so you can share it with them. That happens to me a lot, that as I talk about my own experiences, others recognize themselves or others they know. Good to see you today!
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1/2/2018 01:34:02 pm
I had a staff member who was afflicted with SAD. We provided him with all sorts of appurtenances (including fancy light bars, etc.) It seemed to help him maintain his stamina- and his sense of humor- all year long. (Good thing- we don't seem to tolerate those who aren't chipper about 300 days a year very well. )
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1/2/2018 08:42:13 pm
That's true, Roy! Chipper is the order of the day. And how wonderful that your staff member was able to share what was happening and receive support and help. Thanks for sharing that, that's great to hear!
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1/2/2018 02:54:32 pm
I do suffer from seasonal affective disorder and I remember during one of my big, annual San Francisco visits I stated "I love San Francisco but I could never live there because I would commit suicide". I have been living in San Francisco since 1997 and I don't even think of that any longer.
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1/2/2018 08:44:43 pm
Rachel, do you think it was because living there turned out to be much better than you expected it to be? I used to dream of living in San Diego after hearing about it's perfect temperatures and then, visiting once to experience them myself. But I decided not to move so far away from family, and I don't regret it. I still wonder what it would have been like to live there, though.
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1/2/2018 08:49:19 pm
Elisa, that's interesting that you use getting out of bed as a criteria. I am pretty sure I am at the extreme end of the spectrum, and I have often had great difficulty talking myself into getting up. So often I was late to work when I worked outside the home. But I always got up to, and in fact, except for lateness, I'd say I functioned fairly well, outwardly. But on the inside, not so much. Boy, do I know what you mean about craving sunshine, too!
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1/2/2018 08:52:32 pm
LOL, Martha! I am thinking you don't have it. But you're right, some will and I hope they find their way to this information. Some people say things like, "if I can help even one person..." Well, having SAD sucks, so I want to help a lot more than one. ;)
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1/3/2018 12:47:52 am
I believe that I have SAD. I still function but with difficulty. It's hard for me now because it's too cold for me to go out for a walk without risking frostbite. I spend too much time alone, which is very distressing. I'm looking forward to more posts about this.
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1/3/2018 04:37:33 pm
Hi Alice! I know that I have SAD, but I do believe there have been better and worse years, so I guess it can fluctuate along a winter blues-SAD continuum. This is a "worse" winter for me, but at the same time, better, because I am fighting it where I used to just give up. I love my alone time, though, all year long. :)
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1/3/2018 05:03:58 pm
My winter blues are much better now than previous. I do have a light but use it only as a light :-) - for when I'm painting or sewing. I've read extensively on the subject, have taken care to put in more windows and getting more exercise. It's good to be educated.
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1/3/2018 11:47:17 pm
Very good to be educated! I completely agree with you. And I'm glad to hear it's better for you!!
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1/4/2018 01:24:32 am
This is such an important topic- Thanks for taking some time to talk about it in your blog! you are going to help a lot of people facing this issue. looking forward to your post for tomorrow!
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Hi, I'm JeanineAuthor, hygge lifestyle blogger & connoisseur of delight writing about how to create a hygge lifestyle, with hearthcraft, comfy capsule wardrobe tips and cozy home decorating ideas. More here.
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