“You’ve got to be kidding me!” I blurted this out one morning when my alarm went off. I laughed about it afterwards, because I was in a half asleep stupor. I had woken up during the night thinking it was time to get up, then couldn’t fall back to sleep for well over an hour. And now. NOW it was time to get up? I wasn’t ready. It was too soon. It was too dark.
I’d grown increasingly sad over the previous weeks. I didn’t know why. Nothing had really changed in our lives out of the usual difficulties that are pretty much just life. I felt depressed, even tearful at times. I wondered if there was something wrong with me and worried because it seemed to be getting worse.
It was harder and harder to get up in the morning. I’d lost my excitement for the day, my drive. Seemed my get up and go, well, got up and went.
Can you relate to any of this?
Because I’ve always been an early riser, I joke that I must have been a rooster in a previous life. Up with the sun. In the summer, that would be 5:15am, when the light of day begins to peek around the curtains.
Ahhhh, that was it! How could I have forgotten that I go through this every year? Each year around the change of seasons I feel sad. But is it just that or something a bit more complex?
How about you? Are you finding it difficult to get going and get motivated in the morning? Is it a struggle just to get out of bed and get ready for work? Does every day feel like a Monday, even if it’s Friday?
If so, you’re not alone.
Seasonal affective disorder. It’s a type of depression that occurs with the change of seasons, typically fall into winter, although it can occur in the spring as well. Also referred to as seasonal depression, winter blues, hibernation reaction. It’s estimated that it affects up to 10% of the US population, with a higher prevalence in women than men.
The cause is thought to be the lack of light which comes with the shorter days. It affects the internal clock, which may lead to depression. It may cause a drop in serotonin, a neurotransmitter which affects moods. Additionally, a drop in melatonin can affect sleep and mood.
What does all this mean? To me, it’s reassurance that I’m not facing a major depressive issue, but a manageable condition. Sometimes just reminding myself of this helps. Of course if you have concerns, it’s best to check in with your doctor. That said, look out! We’ll be changing the clocks back soon, making it darker even earlier in the evenings. Just remember, though, this too shall pass.
In my next post, we’ll talk about ways to get through this season with more enthusiasm. Stay tuned…
~Carolyn
“Life isn’t easy. Together we can make it better.”
Yes Carolyn! I actually purchased a sunlight lamp that I sit in front of during work in the winter. Time to dust it off and bring it back into the office! Works like a charm!
I’d like to hear more about this lamp.
I am not anxious to turn back the clock, as I like the late afternoon sun, and our days have been on the mild side. And the only season change I like is winter into spring, when everything “comes alive” again! I am surprised to read, however, that it only affects 10% of the population. What a minority we are! But I, too, know that it’s real, and I feel it’s effects. Yes, I agree, we need to focus on things we can get enthusiastic about!!
Looking forward to your next post!
Yes, the winter months sure can be difficult. That promised follow-up post coming soon. :)