Winter can be a tricky time of year for almost everyone.
For me, thanks to glittering holiday lights (they’re so pretty!
), pre-holiday festivities (yay!
), and, let’s be real here, eggnog (get in my belly!
), I get through December without any problems but once January hits, I reliably getincrediblybummed out.
Those factors combine forces to make everything seem just.
What is SAD, and who typically gets it?
SAD isa mood disorder, characterized by depression related to a certain season of the year especially winter.
While SAD can happen to anyone, certain people aremore susceptible than others.
Additionally, onsetusually occurs during adulthood, and the average age of onset is approximately 23.
Additionally, persistent tiredness, low energy, and oversleepingcan be red flags.
As if being extra tired isn’t enough, it can get worse.
Full disclosure: that scenario has made me ugly-cry on more than one occasion).
What a holiday miracle).
Many peopleeat more and specifically crave carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta.
This, in turn, leads to weight gain and not an insignificant amount, either.
Treating SAD
Ok, so that’s the bad news.
The good news, though, is thatSAD is entirely treatable.
However,creating and sticking to a schedulemight be more to your benefit than you think.
You canincrease your intakeof vitamin D by eating fatty fish, mushrooms, eggs, and vitamin D-fortified foods.
As for exercise,outdoor exerciseis the most helpful.
Endorphins make you happy.
Happy people just don’t kill their husbands.
They just don’t."
Take a vacation
This is, by far, my absolute favorite recommendation.
Say no more, good sir.
Antidepressants can greatly benefit some people with SAD, especially if symptoms are severe.
Who has two thumbs and just downed a quad venti latte?
), that I realized fatigue and the usual winter doldrums weren’t the culprit.
