With last week’s snow across much of the country, it is safe to say that winter has finally arrived! For many of us, this isn’t a cause for celebration, as along with winter comes the cold and shorter days. There are people out there, however, who thrive during the winter months and welcome every inch of snow that piles up on the sidewalks and yards. As Sue Shellenbarger explains in her Wall Street Journal article, these “summer-haters” find solace in the colder months due to the seasonal affective disorder they experience from March through November.
Seasonal affective disorder is a mood altering condition that occurs when there is a significant change in the seasons and weather, causing people to become restless, depressed, or even anxious. For a majority of people, seasonal affective disorder comes in the form of the “winter blues,” which take place between the months of November and February. During this time of the year, most affected folks feel down due to the lack of sun and heat; but Shellenbarger points out that there are also a select few for whom the schedule for the “blues” is the opposite.
She cites Dr. Norman Rosenthal, professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University, who explains that about 0.7% of the population experience depression (or an increase of it) between May and December. These “summer blues” cases are not as well documented, and there is not as much research on individuals that suffer from summer depression, but researchers have arrived at two possible causes: melatonin and serotonin. These two hormones dictate our circadian rhythms and mood, respectively. The conflict those with summer depression feel toward the summer season is more than likely a result of the dislike of humidity, of pollen allergies, or even of sweat. These reactions stimulated from higher temperatures can result in unbalanced hormones, causing problems with anxiety, sleep, and mood.
Now while these winter lovers are rejoicing over the cold months ahead, summer waits inevitably on the horizon. If you are one of those few individuals who loathes the warmer months, take solace in the snow while you can. When the summer months hit, be sure to have some activities planned to help keep you cool! In order to handle the summer blues, clinical psychologists recommend being proactive by participating in activities that will keep you from feeling the heat. Plan trips with friends and family to the local pool, a cool lake, the movies, or even a trip to an air-conditioned museum.
The same goes for those with the winter blues, possibly suffering as we speak. Try and find activities that keep you active and warm during the winter months, like taking a trip to the hot springs or participating in some sports at the local rec center.
Whatever season ails you, be sure to have a plan for how to relieve yourself and relax, even during your least favorite times of the year. Your mind and body will thank you for it.