March 2, 2020
Shedding Light on Seasonal Sadness
As the days get shorter, some people find themselves feeling sad. They may feel glum or gloomy around the winter holidays or get into a rut after the fun and festivities have ended. Some people have serious mood changes consistently year after year, lasting throughout the fall and winter when there is less natural sunlight. What is it about the darkening days that leave us feeling down and out or miserable? Listed below are some things to discuss with youth to educate them on the topic of seasonal sadness and how to cope with the time of the year.
Common Causes:
- Exposure to less sunlight
- Less serotonin (feel-good brain chemical)
- Social exclusion and withdrawal
- Less physical activity
- Worrying about money
- Too much family time
- Overeating fatty foods
- Nostalgia
- Overworking
How to Fight the Winter Blues:
- Exercise. Bundle up for a walk, swim indoors, or head to the gym
- Check your vitamin D levels
- Eat a healthy diet
- Light therapy
- Meditate
- Socialize with friends or family
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
- Seek a healthcare professional
YScreen staff can help identify symptoms of stress in teens related to the winter blues and connect them and their families to the appropriate community resources that can address these concerns. YScreen is available to teens in Fond du Lac County. If you would like to request screening for your child or would like more information about YScreen, please contact us at (920) 906-6571.
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