Sandi Schwartz
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What Exactly Are the Winter Blues?
Nature
Beat the Winter
Blues 14 • SanDiegofamily.com • January 2024
weather in the country, but they are not immune to winter blues. While some people love snow trips and bundling up in warm clothes, others dread cooler weather and shorter days. Winter can cause people to feel down in the dumps or depressed—even in San Diego. It’s important to recognize and understand what is going on in order to help families and loved ones who may need extra support during the winter season.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression related to changes in season. The most common type occurs during winter, so it’s often referred to as winter blues, but some people experience SAD with other seasonal changes as well. Typical symptoms of SAD can include: • Fatigue • Difficulty getting up in the morning • Craving carbohydrates or sugar • Irritability and moodiness • Increased crying • Difficulty concentrating • Sadness and depression • Loss of interest in activities formerly enjoyed • Low self-esteem Experts aren’t sure what triggers SAD, but theories include environmental factors such as less sunlight, the change in the intensity of light exposure and shorter days. Serotonin levels—which help regulate mood—have also been shown to shift with the seasons and may be linked to SAD.
