Winter in MT is Hard; Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder
By Andy Kemp, MSW, SWLC
It is that time of the year, the summer is winding down and most people’s attention turns to the fall. The kids go back to school, the weather starts to cool down and winter is right around the corner. The changing of the seasons can lead to depression and anxiety in some people. Anxiety can be present in a student returning to classes in the fall and depression can commonly set in when summer activities are no longer an option. Seasonal affective disorder can disrupt many people in their daily life.
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression also known as SAD, seasonal depression, or sometimes winter depression. This disorder is a type of depression and fits closely with Major Depressive Disorder. Common symptoms of SAD include weight gain, fatigue, and loss of sleep. These symptoms can be mild to severe, depending on the individual.
Psychiatry today states that SAD can be effectively treated in several ways, including light therapy, antidepressant medications, talk therapy or some combination of these. While symptoms will generally improve on their own with the change of season, symptoms can improve more quickly with treatment.
Another way to treat SAD is to find new joy and different things to associate with the fall and winter seasons. Outdoor winter sports are a great way to get out of the house in the winter. Camping in the fall is another great way to get out and do something. Changing your own narrative around the seasons is a great way to treat SAD. Additionally, books, movies, television are good distractions during the fall and winter months.
Hygge is a Danish concept of creating warmth in the winter months (physically, emotionally, spiritually, aesthetically) to create enjoyment during the cold time of the year. Lighting candels, reading books by a fireplace, enjoying a hot tea/coffee, putting on a soft blanket or cozy sweater, or baking can create warmth in a long, dark, cold season.
If you feel you are experiencing symptom of depression or seasonal affective disorder as the weather and seasons begin to change, please reach out and identify appropriate treatment, or therapy.
In the meantime, enjoy the end of summer, go on a hike, hit the lakes and rivers, camp, and soak up the Big Sky Sun!
