Joining us this morning with ways to help beat the blues is Dr. Robert Shulman, Director of Clinical Services of Psychiatry for Rush University Medical Center.
Winter Blues:
Time to hibernate
Sleep more
Conserve energy
Natural biological rhythm
May be part of Seasonal Affective Disorder
More extreme loss of energy and motivation
Loss of enjoyment/pleasure
May be depressed, but also may not be overtly so
As regards the cold: it makes everything harder!
Treatment/strategies:
Bright light exposure - to the sun or use of specific lights
Exercise
Diet - combating carbohydrate craving
Avoid excessive alcohol use
May consider Vitamin D3 supplementation (levels my drop in winter)
If a genuine Seasonal Affective Disorder impairing daily life, speak with a health care provider regarding more aggressive treatment options. If severe, medications and other treatments can help.
