The Holidays are Over, So Now What? Ways to Overcome the Winter Blues

The winter months don’t have to be a temporary sentence to stay indoors until the spring flowers bloom. There are some sneaky ways to circumnavigate and overcome the winter blues.

In addition to the chilly winter season, the letdown following festive, end-of-the-year holiday activities in combination with settling back into the reality of work, routines or school can pose mental health struggles.

These common winter blues can be attributed to a variety of triggers.

What is SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in the late fall and early winter, and going away during the spring and summer, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Depressive episodes linked to the summer can occur but are much less common than winter episodes of SAD.

Eric Kelly, MSW, LCSW, a Monarch behavioral therapist who provides therapy at Monarch’s behavioral health Judd Parkway location in Wake County, urged those adversely affected by winter’s limited sunlight and colder temperatures to take heart.

Making a concerted effort to get out during sunlight hours and socializing are good ways to guard against feeling down during the winter months. “Get out and about, and exercise. Enjoying the sunlight and talking to people is a great way to stay connected. Hibernation is known to exacerbate SAD,” Kelly explained.

During the winter months and colder temperatures, it is natural to gravitate toward staying indoors but Kelly suggested creativity when incorporating physical activities. “Ways to implement activity include changing up routines with exercise, reaching out to family and friends or even taking your pet for a walk. This makes you more involved in what is going around you,” he said. “The less isolated you are, the better.”

Decreased sunlight can make it difficult for those with severe depression. Kelly said studies indicate that light therapy can help when the gray days seem to be more plentiful.

He also recommended to the people he counsels to integrate relaxation approaches such as guided imagery, meditation or techniques like yoga or tai chi. “These are easy to learn and creative ways to cope with SAD,” he suggested.

Post-Holiday Letdown

The holidays, with the good intentions of family time, celebrations and festivities, can act as a trigger or aggravate mental health struggles. “The holidays for the people that we serve with severe symptomologies can be a fun, temporary escape. When it is over, they are forced to face reality,” he pointed out.

Seeing certain family members after many years or having conversations during the holidays focusing on past or current family experiences, can be known to spur unpleasant memories. “Reminders of childhood memories often spark or trigger a response,” said Kelly. “Those elements are more likely to happen around the holidays because of more family gatherings and discussions about past events or reliving memories.”

Eat Your Way to Good Health

Kelly recommended to keep in mind the importance and impact of proper nutrition to guard against and combat the winter blues.

“Proper eating habits are important, especially during the winter. Try to refrain from poor habits like smoking and alcohol. Be mindful of healthy eating and incorporating healthy snacks,” cautioned Kelly.

Reach Out for Additional Support

You don’t have to tackle the winter blues on your own and seeking counseling or professional help is always encouraged.

“Researching information and talking to your doctor are ways to cope,” Kelly said, adding that physicians or mental health providers have ways to accurately assess what is happening and advise proper care so that the winter months can be enjoyable.

For more information about Monarch services or to schedule an appointment with a therapist, please call (866) 272-7826. Click on the video below for additional tips on how to ward off the winter blues.

Posted on: Monday December 30, 2019