depression

Simple (and Fun) Remedies for Winter Blues

by Lynn Waalkes

Cold weather and meager amounts of sunlight make for dreary stuck-indoors days that often lead to winter depression. Oh, how we long for spring!

For the 14 percent of Americans with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this can be a particularly difficult time of year, leading to depression, weight loss or gain, withdrawal from society, increased irritability — even suicidal thoughts.

While light therapy is commonly prescribed for SAD sufferers, small kindnesses from friends can also be a big morale booster. Your card, small gift or visit can brighten even the dreariest winter day.

Here are some simple ways you can help bring a dose of spring sunshine to a light-deprived loved one:

  • Surprise your friend with bright-red tulips, sweet-scented hyacinths or cheery daffodils. These early-flowering bulbs chase dark clouds away with their bright-colored petals and gentle spring scent.
  • Create a “care” package with delicacies that come into their own in springtime: strawberries, asparagus and Chinese snow peas. Throw in some chocolate — a year-round favorite and all-purpose mood lifter.
  • Rent an Annette Funicello-Frankie Avalon beach-party movie, then throw an indoor picnic. Don’t forget the beach ball!
  • Commit to meeting with your friend weekly for a brisk morning walk. Just 20 minutes in the sunlight and fresh air can boost serotonin levels in the brain and help shake off winter “brain fog.”
  • Share a favorite devotional or praise tape. Words of spiritual encouragement can help refresh your friend’s faith and restore her perspective on life.
  • Finally, if your friend’s symptoms seem unusually severe, encourage her to see her physician for help. Light box therapy has proven effective in helping about 85 percent of SAD cases.

For those who aren’t diagnosed SAD sufferers, the drawn-out months of late winter can make even the cheeriest person feel gloomy. If you are the one who’s experiencing the winter blues, be your own caregiver — pick up a sweet-scented bouquet to place on a bedside table or on your desk at work. The scent of spring will lift your sagging spirits, and perhaps make it a little easier to hang tough for a few more weeks. Spring is almost here!

God created four seasons for a reason, yet He also understands if we feel down when nature is dormant; that’s why He gives us friends and early flowers — they revive hope and provide yet another taste of His amazing grace.

This article first appeared on the Focus Over Fifty Web site. Copyright © 2002 Lynn Waalkes. Used by permission.

Background Information

Medicating Depression
If you have these symptoms of depression, it might be time for antidepressants.

The Symptoms of Depression
Most people associate depression with a feeling of gloom or sadness, but there is a much more important set of symptoms to keep in mind.

Understanding Depression
Depression afflicts everyone at some point. Knowing what to expect can make it easier to address.

What Depression Is Good For
Depression can be a healing emotion. It can bring us face to face with ourselves so that we are forced to make healthier choices.

Questions and Answers

How can I best help my child cope with depression?
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I love our baby a lot and wouldn't trade him for anything in the world, but I don't understand why I'm so depressed.
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Review Frequently Asked Questions

Stories

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The Light of Depression
Surprisingly, my season of depression led to a greater experience of joy.

If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.
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Other Things to Consider

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