Learning how to beat the winter blues involves education and tailoring a plan that will fit your seasonal affective disorder needs. With solutions such as intentional sunlight exposure and working with a therapist, you can equip yourself with the tools for winter wellness.
Do you find yourself dealing with feelings of sadness and malaise as soon as winter begins? Do you struggle to maintain social connections and hobbies that usually bring you joy? If so, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder, more commonly known as the “winter blues.”
For seniors in Slidell, LA, managing the winter blues may be difficult. Here are some tips for beating the winter blues and thriving during the winter.
How Long Do the Winter Blues Last?
It varies, depending on the person. Some sufferers feel an onset of symptoms at the beginning of the season, while others may have a shorter period of more intense depression. For instance, many people with seasonal affective disorder dread the holiday season due to connections with loved ones they have lost or childhood memories.
However, many cases of the winter blues begin in the month of December and tend to subside when spring emerges during the month of March.
How to Beat the Winter Blues
Suffering through the winter blues can be stressful, especially during a time when so many people around you may feel joyful about the holiday season. Here are some key assisted living tips for managing your symptoms.
Make Plans and Stick to Them
Although isolating yourself can be tempting when you already feel blue, intentional social connections may help elevate your mood and reduce feelings of sadness and loneliness. Reach out to your loved ones and make plans, even if it is just to watch a movie or grab a cup of coffee.
The key to maintaining a social calendar is intentionality. Do not back out of plans unless necessary. Verbally commit so it is more difficult to cancel later on, and you can honor your original plan.
Stay Away From Screens
It is all too easy to find yourself scrolling through social media for hours on end, without a sense of how much time has gone by. While these habits are detrimental at any time of year, they can be particularly harmful if you are trying to beat the winter blues.
Set a time limit for how long you will be on your phone or another smart device daily. Rather than logging into a social media site, pick up a book or take a walk with a friend in your senior living community.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption
The holidays can offer numerous opportunities to indulge more than usual. While the occasional alcoholic beverage isn’t harmful, keep track of your intake and scale back your drinking if you notice any patterns.
Additionally, if you are on any type of medication, interactions with alcohol can be serious. Discuss these interactions with your doctor so you can know beforehand whether it is all right to indulge while you are actively taking medication. Opt for nonalcoholic drinks at winter activities and events.
How to Get Rid of the January Blues?
January is one of the toughest months to combat seasonal affective disorder. The joy of the holiday season has worn off, the weather usually tends to be the coldest, and there may be a lack of social connection that was present during December.
Reach out to people you saw over the holiday season and offer to reconnect. Intentionally meet with other residents and engage in activities that pique your interest. Take walks in the winter, even if the weather is colder than normal.
Many people have trouble maintaining New Year’s Resolutions. One slip-up can lead to a feeling of despair and giving up completely. Instead of making New Year’s Resolutions, focus on creating meaningful changes in your life that you can implement for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Medication to Combat the Winter Blues?
Since seasonal affective disorder is temporary, you likely will not need medication to relieve your symptoms. Your doctor may encourage you to use different methods to cope with your depression, such as working with a therapist or taking vitamin D supplements.
Antidepressants are very effective for tackling major depressive disorder, but they need to be taken consistently for long periods of time to have the desired effect. The onboarding period alone can last from weeks to months, which isn’t ideal if you are seeking immediate relief.
However, if you already take antidepressants, you may need to speak to your doctor about temporarily increasing your dosage. The added stressors of seasonal affective disorder might require a more powerful dosage so you can stay emotionally level.
Always talk to your doctorif you have concerns about starting or adjusting your medication dosage.
How Is Seasonal Affective Disorder Different From Major Depressive Disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder tends to develop only during a certain time of year, usually winter. Major depressive disorder can have symptoms year-round, although the disorder can be exacerbated in the winter. You can also suffer from both conditions simultaneously.
Can Seasonal Affective Disorder Go Away?
Possibly. If you have seasonal affective disorder annually, you may be able to predict when your symptoms will subside, such as when spring arrives. However, depending on your treatment regimen and mental health, it may continue to recur year after year.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Support at SummerHouse Park Provence
Are you still wondering how to beat the winter blues? With this guide, you can effectively manage your condition and thrive during every part of the year, even throughout the winter season.
At SummerHouse Park Provence, our dedicated staff prioritizes senior emotional health. With plenty of independent living, assisted living, and memory care engagement opportunities, our residents can effectively manage their winter wellness. Our exclusive programs, such as Sensations Dining and Dimensions Health and Fitness, encourage an active and thriving lifestyle for seniors.
Are you considering the transition to a senior living community? Reach out to us today to learn more about all that SummerHouse Park Provence has to offer, or visit our location in Slidell, LA, to see it for yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!
