Tara Whitmore
If you’ve noticed that you, or someone close to you, becomes more downcast and irritable during the winter months, you’re not alone. This phenomenon, often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), affects many people and can lead to noticeable changes in mood and behavior.
Psychology has identified eight common behaviors that emerge when people feel moody or depressed in the winter. These behaviors can be surprising, leaving you puzzled and concerned.
Remember, experiencing SAD is not a lifestyle choice but a recognized psychological condition that varies from person to person.
Navigating through these mood changes can be challenging, but understanding the symptoms is the first step towards managing them effectively.
In the article below, we’ll shed light on these behaviors and provide some possible coping strategies.
1) Increased desire for isolation
When winter rolls around, a person experiencing SAD may start to withdraw from social activities and prefer staying alone. This isn’t about enjoying some “me time,” but rather an increased desire to isolate themselves from others.
You might find them canceling plans, avoiding gatherings, and spending more time alone in their room. They might say things like, “I just don’t feel like going out,” or “I’d rather be alone right now.” This behavior can leave you feeling puzzled and concerned.
It’s important to remember that this desire for isolation is a symptom of their condition, not a reflection of their feelings towards you or others. This behavior is not a personal choice but a reaction to their seasonal mood changes.
Understanding this behavior is the first step towards providing support. Instead of judging or pushing them to be more social, it may be more beneficial to offer understanding and patience.
After all, what they need most during these times is reassurance and empathy, not pressure to change their behavior overnight.
2) Craving for carbohydrates
Winter months might see an unusual increase in the consumption of carbohydrates for those suffering from SAD. You might find them reaching out for more bread, pasta, potatoes, or sweets than usual.
This isn’t just about comfort eating on cold days. The body is likely trying to stimulate the production of serotonin – a neurotransmitter that regulates mood – as carbohydrates help in its production.
It may seem odd to link food cravings with winter depression, but these cravings are a physiological response to their mood changes. It’s not simply a lack of self-control or a sudden disregard for healthy eating.
While it’s okay to indulge in these cravings in moderation, it’s also important to maintain a balanced diet. Consuming too many carbohydrates can lead to weight gain and other health problems, which could potentially exacerbate feelings of depression.
Encouraging them to eat a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity can be supportive strategies to manage this symptom.
3) Difficulty waking up in the morning
Winter depression can make mornings particularly challenging. It’s not just about loving a few extra minutes of snooze time, but a genuine struggle to get out of bed and start the day.
One reason for this is that the lack of sunlight in winter can disrupt the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. This disruption can lead to feelings of grogginess and a desire to stay asleep longer.
While it may seem like laziness or lack of motivation, it’s actually a common symptom for those experiencing SAD. It’s crucial not to dismiss this as mere sluggishness or a lack of willpower.
To help manage this symptom, exposure to morning light can be beneficial. Whether it’s through a brisk morning walk or using a light therapy box, getting a dose of light in the early hours can help reset the body’s internal clock and make waking up less of a struggle.
4) Decreased interest in activities they once enjoyed
As winter sets in, you might notice a loved one with SAD losing interest in activities they usually find enjoyable. Be it painting, playing a musical instrument, or even going for a bike ride, their enthusiasm may seem to wane.
It’s disheartening to see someone you care about lose their zest for life, and it’s natural to want to encourage them to reengage with their hobbies. However, it’s important to remember that this lack of interest isn’t a conscious decision they’re making. It’s a symptom of their condition.
What they really need during these times is understanding and patience. A gentle reminder that it’s okay not to enjoy things sometimes, and that this period of disinterest will pass. Encourage them gently, but also give them the space they need – they’ll rekindle their passions when they’re ready.
5) Over-sleeping
Everyone loves a good lie-in now and then, especially when it’s cold outside. But for those experiencing SAD, sleep can become a refuge. They might find themselves sleeping longer hours, taking frequent naps throughout the day, or just constantly feeling tired.
This isn’t just about enjoying the comfort of a warm bed during chilly winter days. This excessive sleep is their body’s way of coping with the deep fatigue and low energy levels that come with winter depression.
While it might be tempting to label this as laziness, it’s crucial to understand that this is a common symptom of SAD. It’s not about wanting to sleep all day; it’s about struggling to find the energy to face the day.
Helping them maintain a regular sleep schedule and encouraging light physical activity can be beneficial in managing this symptom. And remember, it’s okay if they need a little extra rest during these challenging times.
6) Difficulty in concentrating
When winter arrives, those with SAD might find tasks that require concentration to be increasingly challenging. It could be something as simple as reading a book or more complex like balancing a budget.
I remember a friend who loved to read. But come winter, she’d find herself reading the same paragraph over and over, unable to focus on the words. It wasn’t that she lost interest in reading, but her ability to concentrate was significantly affected by her winter depression.
It’s not about being careless or lack of diligence; it’s a symptom of their condition. Understanding this can help in offering support and patience during these times. Sometimes, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts can make them less overwhelming and easier to tackle.
7) Neglect of personal care and hygiene
Hygiene and personal care may slide during the winter months for those grappling with SAD. You might notice them skipping showers, not changing clothes as often, or neglecting their skincare routine.
It’s not about laziness or lack of self-respect. Depression can make even the simplest tasks feel like climbing a mountain. But no matter how hard it gets, maintaining personal hygiene is non-negotiable.
While it’s important to be understanding of their struggle, it’s also necessary to encourage them to take care of themselves.
Sometimes, a gentle nudge to take a warm bath or change into fresh clothes can make a significant difference to their mood and overall wellbeing. Self-care is a form of self-love, and during these tough times, they need that love more than ever.
8) Feelings of hopelessness and sadness
Perhaps the most telling sign of winter depression is an overwhelming sense of sadness and hopelessness. The joy and optimism that once filled their lives may seem to fade, replaced instead by a persistent gloom.
This isn’t about having a negative attitude or a pessimistic outlook on life. It’s a profound emotional pain that is a hallmark of their condition.
The most crucial thing to remember here is that they’re not alone. These feelings are temporary and treatable. If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help.
Mental health professionals can provide the right treatments and strategies to manage these symptoms effectively.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. In doing so, you’re taking the first step towards better days ahead.
Conclusion
Understanding the impact of winter on our mood and behavior is the first step towards managing seasonal depression. It’s about recognizing that these changes are not a personal failing but a response to the changing seasons.
This article has aimed to shed light on the common behaviors exhibited by those grappling with winter depression, but ultimately, it’s about fostering empathy and understanding in ourselves and others.
Remember, time spent taking care of your mental health is never wasted.
To truly navigate through the winter blues means to not let the season dictate your mood or behavior. It’s about recognizing these signs and taking steps towards self-care and seeking help when needed.
In this journey of understanding and managing winter depression, here’s to fostering warmth, patience, and empathy within ourselves and towards others. Here’s to healthier, happier winters ahead!
