Changing
of the Seasons
One of
my Christmas presents this past season was a desk calendar
that has daily words of wisdom. One of the days reflected
on ALONE TIME and says, “During our uninterrupted alone time
this month, how about taking a walk and seeing if you can
feel – actually feel - the changing of the seasons.” I
thought about this suggestion and realized that for some
people the changing of the seasons may be a very difficult
time.
Feeling the changes of the seasons occur to
almost everyone. Seasonal variations of light, according to
Norman Rosenthal, may cause people to have recurrent mood
changes at the same time of the year. These alterations in
mood may be insignificant and the person will continue his
or her life without any difficulties. This is called the
“winter blues or February blues” which causes slight
fluctuations in feelings of well being, lack of energy, and
disturbances in eating and sleeping.
However, some people develop Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD) which causes a definite lack of productivity,
loss of interest in pleasurable activities, isolative
behaviors, and changes in eating and sleeping. In fact,
this person may not be able to function in everyday
activities.
Many of us will have a “sluggish” winter and
have a surge of energy at the first sign of spring.
However, people who have mood disorders may feel the
changing of the seasons in a more extreme manner. A
person’s surge of spring energy may trigger an episode of
mania like the gray skies of winter induce a disabling
depression (Barrow).
According to CMHA the symptoms of SAD are:
-
Change in appetite, in particular a craving for sweets
or starchy foods
-
Weight gain
-
Decreased energy
-
Fatigue
-
Tendency to oversleep
-
Difficulty concentrating
-
Irritability
-
Avoidance of social situations
-
Feelings of anxiety and despair
-
Symptoms for a least 2 consecutive winters
Suggestions to help alleviate symptoms of SAD are:
-
Spend more time outdoors
-
Sit
near a window
-
Exercise
-
Monitor your diet
-
Seek
professional help
-
Antidepressants
-
Light therapy
It is
difficult when one of your family and/or friends is
experiencing a seasonal depression or mania. Some ways you
can help are:
-
Understand the problem; Become educated from reliable
resources
-
Just
Be There
-
Offer encouragement to the seasonal person; remind them
that seasons change and so will he or she.
-
Help
with simple things
-
Understand the other side of SAD: coming out of the
season can be difficult. People may be argumentative,
impulsive, and want to accomplish many things at once
-
Don’t take the person’s behavior personally; you did not
cause their feelings so don’t take responsibility for
them.
Encourage yourself or your family/friend to take time alone
to reflect on the changes they experience over the seasons.
Being educated and prepared for the onset of symptoms of SAD
will assist in a person being able to care for him or
herself before, during, and after the season.
Happy
Spring!
Carol Ziolo
carol@carolziolo.com
