Dear Friends,

Does it seem like everyone around you is a little grumpier, moodier and easier to anger lately? Those who normally have a cool head and calm demeanor are snippy and quick to snap? Take a look at social media. Everyone is angry, mad at someone or something and it’s just darker somehow.

The war in Ukraine has everyone on edge as the world watches with bated breath to see what comes next. I was a teenager during the Gulf War and a young adult when 9/11 happened. I am now the parent trying to calm the fears of my teenager and young adult about what is going on in the world, trying to explain why this is happening when I don’t really understand it myself.

I’m not sure if this will comfort you or not, but there is a reason why things seem to bother us more easily and we are all on edge lately and it has nothing to do with the “W” word.

It’s natural, it’s seasonal and it starts around the fall, and we feel the worst of it right about now.

I am talking about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and whether you know it or not, you may be subject to the toll it takes. To sum it up, SAD happens from limited exposure to sun and light. The sun has things that your body needs like vitamin D; it helps improve your sleep, supports bone health and can even lower blood pressure.

According to ‘Psychology Today’, 10 million Americans suffer from SAD each year, and another twenty percent experience mild SAD; women are four times more likely to suffer from SAD.

Is it SAD that makes me irritated at my family or is it because I am constantly cleaning up after them and the messes they leave behind? The dog and cat hair seems to multiply and no matter how many times I have asked my daughter to bring her dirty dishes downstairs, I find myself on an ‘Indiana Jones’ hunt for missing cups, plates and silverware and, yup, there they are – in her bedroom. SAD has nothing to do with this, but it’s still super annoying.

If you live somewhere that is generally warm and sunny year around, you may have limited experience with Seasonal Affective Disorder (however there is a version of SAD that comes from too much sun – I know, crazy, right?).

Here in upstate New York, we are the tail end of winter heading into what we are hoping is spring. It’s been four long months of limited sunshine, very cold temps, snow, and ice. Many of us leave for work when it’s dark outside and head home when it’s still (or again?) dark. Sounds depressing, right? Well, it is, and it takes a toll on you and your body.

How do you know if you are just having a series of bad days or are suffering from SAD? According to The Mayo Clinic (thank you, Google) symptoms of SAD include feeling listless and sad, low energy, weight gain, not participating in activities you normally like to do, feeling hopeless or unworthy, difficulty concentrating, and sleeping too much.

Disclaimer here that I am not a doctor, but I would say that all of us have felt one of the symptoms I just listed at some point. For most of us we just need a mental health day, time with family and friends or finding a way to get some energy back like working out or going for a walk to bounce back.

Having said that, if you are suffering from the “winter blues” so badly that it begins to affect school, work, relationships or if you have thoughts of self-harm then please reach out to someone for help. A close friend or medical professional that can get you the help that you need. Sadly, six percent of those who suffer from SAD have such severe symptoms that they need to be hospitalized.

For most of us, our symptoms are mild and can be treated with some healthy habits. Here are a few ideas on how to beat back the winter blues:

Make time for family and friends. Laughter is a great non-medical way to fight back a funk.

Plan a trip or an outing with someone you enjoy being around. Go somewhere for the day, take a mini trip, go out for lunch or dinner. Plan a game night or card night.

Keep a positive attitude. I am a firm believe that attitude is everything and if you are someone who can see the glass as half full and who is always looking for the silver lining, you will find one.

Again, not a doctor, but there are vitamin supplements you can take, especially if you lack vitamin D, and let’s face it anyone who lives in the northeast is vitamin D deficient. I am certainly not prescribing anything here, but what I will say is to try to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Diet, regular exercise, and sleep. This will make a healthier you – both inside and out.

If you feel like your symptoms are more severe and you have concerns (or if you know someone who you suspect is suffering from the serious side of SAD), then please reach out to a healthcare provider. Don’t ignore it.

I recently attended a conference in California. My first morning there, I took my coffee to the balcony, looked towards the sun that was already high in the desert sky, closed my eye and felt the warmth wash over me. I literally felt the stress and weight of my world melt away and I was happy; deep down in my soul and all the way to my freshly painted toes I could feel it. My mood instantly brightened, and I felt like I could do anything.

Until next week, my friends, and remember that spring is coming.

Hang in there!

~ Kerri

The views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views and positions of any entity that this author represents.