Hey West Michigan, wonder why you are feeling SAD?

Our grey winter days do contribute

Here in West Michigan we live in one of the top 3 regions in the US for having the greyest winter days! We are out ranked by the Anchorage Alaska and Seattle Washington regions. Grey days and limited sunlight can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

Did you know…

Holland Michigan has overcast or mostly cloudy skies about 67% of the time in the winter. January is the cloudiest month with over cast skies happening about 71% of the time!

All the cloud cover is due to effects of the lake. Moisture from Lake Michigan combines with the cold air creating all those lovely clouds and grey days we see.

What is SAD

SAD is a type of depression that is linked with reduced sunlight. Less natural light can cause us to experience a decline in our body’s ‘feel good’ chemical called serotonin that resides in our brain.

The sun is our primary source of vitamin D which is an essential nutrient for our overall mental and physical health. Without the sun we can experience vitamin D deficiencies. This can lead to fatigue, mood changes—depression and anxiety and low energy.

As the nights get longer our body’s production of melatonin increases. Melatonin is a sleep related hormone and, in the evening, it helps you feel sleepy. Having too much can lead to sleepiness, being lethargic and mood changes too.

SAD symptoms include:

Sadness, feeling depressed most of the day, almost every day
Anxiety
Carbohydrate cravings and weight gain
Extreme fatigue and lack of energy
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Trouble concentrating
Feeling irritated or agitated
Limbs (arms and legs) that feel heavy
Loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities, including withdrawing from social activities
Sleeping problems (usually oversleeping)
Thoughts of death or suicide

How to manage SAD

Light therapy, vitamin D, psychotherapy and medications are helpful treatments for winter-pattern SAD. Talk with your doctor to see what’s best for you.

For some additional ideas on how to help yourself with SAD, do look at my blog post: Does the time change cause seasonal depression?

If you have intense thoughts of death or suicide don’t hesitate to call 988, 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate assistance. You are worth taking good care of!

Do Contact Me today to begin depression therapy so your SAD doesn’t overwhelm you and you can enjoy a wonderful day!

JD’s Midlife Tools For Living Practices, Holland, MI
Offering Heartfelt care, Compassion and Coping Tools!