Are you unable to rise up from your bed on winter mornings? Have your energy levels become rather low? Don't worry. You are not alone. Many people find themselves experiencing similar unwelcome feelings of sadness, alienation, and feel weighed down during winter.
This condition is termed SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and is supposed to be caused due to light deprivation and felt most acutely in December and January.
Though it is quite natural to find our spirits drooping in winters, for some it may be a little more serious.
People suffering from depression, find their condition getting worse in winter. The best way to deal with SAD is to expose oneself to light. Many SAD sufferers find relief in frequent, regular exposure to lighting devices supplying full-spectrum fluorescent light.
'Patients are advised to sit in front of a specially designed light box that emits about 10,000 lux from a fluorescent bulb, most often in the morning for at least 45 minutes. Then later, they can also be given antidepressants or try cognitive behaviour therapy,' says Dr Sameer Parikh of Max Healthcare.
Some common causes of SAD are: conflicts with family that creates guilt and resentment, separation from loved ones, expectations of friends, family, job, or church to participate in seasonal festivities, financial pressures associated with the season like buying gifts etc.
Knowing that the increased stress and pressure will soon pass helps to overcome the temporary blues. It is also important to indulge moderately in socializing, eating, drinking, and shopping as well as continue participating in activities that bring pleasure, such as reading, sports or music.
If the blues don't go away with the season, it may be clinical depression and it is better to seek professional help.