If you’ve recently found yourself feeling down seemingly out of nowhere, you’re not alone. Mid-winter can be a challenging time for many people. The short, dark days and colder weather can all contribute to feelings of sadness and despair.
For a lot of people, these feelings may be symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that is related to the changing seasons. It typically starts in the fall and continues through the winter months. Symptoms of SAD may include:
- feelings of hopelessness and sadness
- lack of energy
- difficulty concentrating
- changes in appetite and sleep patterns
In addition to SAD, the mid-winter months can also be a time of increased stress and anxiety – even for people who may not normally experience mental health problems throughout the rest of the year. Here are a few reasons why:
- Dreary Weather
Cold temperatures, short days, and gloomy weather can all contribute to a sense of despair. On top of that, these conditions can lead to a feeling of being “stuck inside” – which can compound that negative feeling. (This can be extra difficult for anyone working from home.) - The Holiday Season Is Over
Many people find joy and a sense of community from spending time with loved ones during the holiday season. But once the holidays are over, we may experience a sense of loneliness and disconnection. Plus, the excitement and even hecticness of the season is gone – and can lead to a sense of emptiness. The post-holiday slump can really be tough to shake. - Financial Stress
Not only is the magic of the holiday season gone, but the reality of bills and credit card payments starts catching up with us in January. The added expenses of gifts, travel, and parties can put a strain on budgets, leading to additional feelings of stress and anxiety. - Blue Monday
The third Monday in January, known as “Blue Monday,” is often considered the most depressing day of the year. This date makes a lot of sense: the combination of post-holiday blues, being “stuck inside,” and having to pay for holiday bills can take its toll on anyone.
What To Do About Feeling Blue
Enough about all the reasons we may find ourselves feeling down at this time of year… Let’s talk about what we can do to combat the mid-winter blues!
CareWell Health offers a wide range of behavioral health services to help our community cope with the challenges of winter and beyond. Our team of world-class healthcare experts are here to help you start feeling sunny again through traditional and cutting-edge treatments, including:
- Therapy, counseling, medication monitoring are available for all levels of depression
- SPRAVATO®
This fast-acting nasal spray medication is taken in conjunction with an oral antidepressant that’s designed to work quickly to reduce the symptoms of depression. Learn more HERE. - Pharmacogenomics (Genetic Testing)
This new technology identifies how genes affect an individual’s reaction to a medication, helping healthcare providers determine which treatment will be the safest and most effective for each patient.
It’s important to understand why we are feeling down – and that, with the right support and resources, it is possible to get through it and find joy and happiness in the year ahead. If you or someone you know is struggling with the mid-winter blues, call our Care Center at 973-266-8416 to learn more about how we can help.
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