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WINTER BLAHS: Annoying Or Serious?
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By Bruce D. Williams, M.Div., LMHC, LMSW 
Horizons Therapist
It may be both, depending upon the frequency and severity of symptoms, which can include sleeping too much, overeating, loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, and/or social withdrawal (Mayo Clinic). More intense symptoms may be an indication that a person is dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects about 20% of Americans (American Psychiatric Association). SAD follows the calendar and becomes more pronounced in North America when daylight savings time ends in early November and then reaches a climax on December 21st -- the day with the least amount of daylight in the year.
Just as symptoms can vary in strength, so, too, can interventions. A reduction in carbohydrates and sugars -- along with a 30-minute walk every other day -- may be enough to lift one's mood while increasing one's energy. Additional interventions include getting outdoors frequently, regular exercise (5-7 times per week), social interaction, and, in cases of full-blown SAD, light box therapy (Dr. Mark Frye, Mayo Clinic). Yet another coping strategy comes from a non-medical resource, Gandhi, who wrote, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" (Therese Borchard, PsychCentral).
Should these interventions prove insufficient, one may need to consult a healthcare provider regarding psychotherapy and/or antidepressant medication. Sometimes winter blahs are just the tip of the depression iceberg.
Now, where did I store my snowshoes after last winter?
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Featured Therapist
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Kristin DeMoss-Schloemer, LMHC, NCC
 Kristin DeMoss-Schloemer, LMHC, NCC, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor, works with people 13 years of age and above. She has been with Horizons for eight years and has experience working with individuals, couples and families that present concerns of depression, anxiety, loss/grief, relationship problems and stress and anger management. She also has a special interest in the areas of sexuality and LGBTQ issues.
Kristin has successfully led several STEPPS support groups at Horizons which address emotional management skills.
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Your EAP
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Horizons is pleased to be your company's Employee Assistance Provider. This program is available to you at no cost and provides effective problem resolution resulting in decreased distress and increased function for employees. In addition, it helps enhance productivity while decreasing benefit costs for employers and employees alike.
Questions? Call Horizons today at (319) 398-3943 or email Jennifer Lee.
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Your Newsletter
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As your EAP Provider, it is our mission to provide you with valuable and helpful information. We offer this newsletter to you as a feature of our service, with a goal of covering relevant topics and guiding support.
Do you have feedback, suggestions, or topic ideas for the newsletter? We want to hear from you! Email Jennifer Lee with your thoughts. |
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