It’s that time of year again, when the days get shorter and the changing seasons place people at a higher risk for SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) SAD is a type of depression that waxes and wanes with the seasons and typically disappears when spring and summer arrives.
{There are several ways to combat SAD that I will list at the end of this post.}
There are other contributing factors to SAD that are particular to the chronic illness community.
Despite the beauty of changing leaves and the magic of freshly fallen snow, I’m tired of living in colder temperatures. I’ve been talking about moving to warmer weather for so long that I sound like a broken record. The problem boils down to finding a job elsewhere for my husband. We are boomers, so that's easier said than done.
Starting with a dream I had about palm trees when I was 10, after my first visit to Florida, I’ve longed to live where I could see them each day. All year I could be brightened by the sight of beautiful tropical flowers and the sounds of birds and crickets. That would make me happy.
Very happy. At long last.
Do you agree with my reasons for disliking fall and winter, mostly due to my MS?
- Longer hours of darkness
- Layers of clothing, such as sweaters, gloves, coats, scarves, hats and boots
- Fear of falling on ice (especially black ice) and slippery snow
- Walking in frigid temperatures
- Knowing that cold weather can aggravate those living with respiratory, circulation and cardiovascular illnesses, psoriasis, arthritis, asthma, migraines and other illnesses
- Cold weather has the ability to cause flares for people living with chronic pain and autoimmune diseases
- Issues of mobility. It's more difficult to maneuver tricky walkways
- I miss the sounds of spring and summer, birds and crickets in particular. Nature is peculiarly silent in the winter
- I miss the colors of flowers and leaves on trees. When tulips arrive in the spring it’s like I stepped out of a black and white movie and into a colored one
As promised here are a few ways you can try to beat SAD this fall and winter according to a CNN article “Helpful Tips to Combat Those Seasonal Blues” (Allen Kim, November 3, 2019):
- Wake-up Lights - Aside from taking supplements of Vitamin D to balance the loss of sunlight hours (speak with your doctor to find out what dosage is best for you), a wake-up light can simulate a sunny room despite waking up during the morning hours of darkness. Amazon offers over 10,000 of these useful lights. If you think one might help you, check it out.
- Smart Homes - Simple devices such as Google Home or an Alexa enabled device, plus some smart light bulbs can brighten or dim the lights in your home. You can change the colors of lights and set timers to help you fall asleep or gently wake up. This sounds a bit extravagant, but if you wish your home was “SAD friendly” you may want to consider this.
- Light Therapy Boxes - I’ve been saying for years I want to purchase one of these. One friend swears by them, and I’ve heard anecdotally they’ve helped many others. The boxes emit light to simulate outdoor lighting. According to the CNN article as little as 30 minutes a day can do the trick.
- Weighted Blankets - I’ve been hearing a lot of positive feedback on these within the disability community. This special blanket combats insomnia as well as anxiety by simulating a hug, decreasing cortisol levels and easing the mind and body. It’s low cost and low risk so why not go ahead and try it?
Life is a gift and we should make the most of it. Chronic illness can sideline us but we must soldier on as best as we possibly can. If there's an opportunity to manage what’s in our control, I’d say it’s well worth the try, don’t you?
“Life keeps throwing me stones. And I keep finding the diamonds.”
– Ana Claudia Antunes
NOTE: Please seek advice from a qualified therapist if your struggles with SAD last days at a time or if you feel you need extra help. Don't go it alone.
I truly am noticing a difference with the seasons. My main flare issue season in winter. I do tolerate having to shovel the snow, my main problem is bitter windy, bone chilling cold weather. I get so tense and my mood turns irate and I have a very hard time to snap back to reality.