Seasonal Affective Disorder: A State of Mind

By Don Posh

IndiGO

Have you heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder? In basic terms it is a common depression that shows up when our days get short and associated with the lack of sunlight. You may remember the term cabin fever. Symptoms include fatigue, depression, hopelessness and social withdrawal. This winter has been worse than others. It has been dark and grey for months. The lack of snow has made it easier for our backs without needing to shovel, but the snow covers the dreary ground and makes it bright and even beautiful. All the people that engage in winter sports are feeling cheated. No ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing or winter festivals. That can make people a little less friendly or a bit more edgy. If you feel you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder increasing the light in your home can help. Using daylight bulbs even during the day can be beneficial. A light box may help. They are available online with prices starting at $40. There is also a light box alarm which mimics the sunrise in conjunction with the alarm clock. Prices start at $30. When shopping online do a little research before you purchase.

 We all experience depression in our lives. Often it is temporary, sometimes it isn’t. Examples of a temporary depression may be a loss of a loved one, a pet or a job. Examples of persistent depression could be poverty, chronic pain and health issues, lack of transportation and isolation. A person experiencing depression may have a lack of motivation to do anything, even things they usually enjoy.

 So what do we do when we feel unmotivated? That can be difficult as it takes motivation to get started. If you notice you are feeling that way, you are recognizing something isn’t right. Next step is to determine how to fix it. Can it be fixed by making some adjustments or do you need to see your doctor? Given most people are independent we would like to fix what we can ourselves. Let’s look at some suggestions. I lean heavily on is music. Less TV more music. Music has the ability to take us to another time and another place. Playing some of your favorite tunes while cooking, cleaning or out in the workshop seems to change the mood and make the work or tasks go smoother. It is like having a friend when you’re alone. Are you a news junkie? We see so much bad news how can we not be depressed? It makes us feel helpless to make things better. If you were to really pay attention the story doesn’t change much day to day like a soap opera. I adjusted my news intake and do not indulge on the weekend or on my vacation. Maybe an adjustment can work for you. Spring is not far away. Planning can give hope of what’s coming. Planning for vacations, and visits with friends and family can put a positive spin on things. Devote some thought to the garden, the flowers and the recreation that we anticipate with living in this beautiful place.

 Be well we’re all in this together!

For more information on independent living contact: indiGO serving Douglas, Bayfield, Iron, Price, Sawyer, Washburn, and Burnett Counties including Tribal communities of Red Cliff, Bad River, La Courte Oreilles and St Croix.

Main office: 800-924-1220 V/TTY

Our non-profit agency, indiGO, aims to empower individuals

living with disabilities and we are available to assist ALL ages and

disabilities.  We are not a vendor and do not sell any products,

but we are here as a resource.