So often lately, I’ve heard different people complain about having the winter blahs. The length of time we’ve actually had to deal with snow on the ground and particularly the harsh, brutal temps we’ve been experiencing along with this seemingly endless time of year plays a part, I’m sure.
The other day I was driving to town and happened to catch Midday Connection on WRVM, the Suring station. Usually, I come away enlightened on topics that I either knew nothing about, or I empathize with the guest and hosts and understand how they feel.
The day I tuned in, Midday Connection was talking about depression, and especially so during these winter months. A male guest was on and he was saying he just didn’t feel “right” and couldn’t explain why. He didn’t have any reason to be sad. He had good health, a nice life, a job, there was no explanation whatsoever for him to feel not right.
He struggled to form words to explain how he was feeling, but as he talked, it came out that he felt almost hopeless, things that he used to enjoy did not interest him. He was not sleeping very well, his appetite was off, and he didn’t look forward to anything. His job wasn’t bringing him the satisfaction it once did. He normally wasn’t the sappy type but found himself experiencing crying spells. He even entertained the notion of just ending it all but didn’t actually pursue that because of his deep faith.
The hosts were sympathetic. One even mentioned that she was experiencing some of the same symptoms and hers began around the Christmas season, when everyone was supposed to be merry and laughing and eating and partying. She just did not feel happy. She had no energy and wanted to lay on the couch, eat and not talk to anyone.
These shorter days and longer nights may cause that feeling of being down in the dumps. What is it? Some experts give it a name, Seasonal Affect Disorder, or SAD, which occurs when the body doesn’t receive enough sunlight. I’ve heard it said that vitamin D supplements are good and some nutritionists suggest Vit-D, Bio-D Mulsion. Another simple remedy is to sit under a light-treatment lamp for a time each day. The lamp’s brightness imitates sunlight, which our bodies need and do not receive during these gloomier days of winter.
OK, so how can we counteract those feelings? Whenever I get to feeling down, my first impulse is to tell somebody, and immediately my poor husband gets dumped on. I have the option of turning to my sisters and/or a good friend. I, as well, try to be a good listener when others are feeling out-of-sorts. Also, lifting a heavy heart in prayer is balm for the soul. Bringing myself and others into the presence of God always envelopes me with the peace of Jesus and a sense of well-being. Reading the Bible, especially the book of Psalms, and praising God in the midst of pain, is healing.
A good way for me to counteract the winter blahs is to exercise. Every morning whenever possible, after our morning devotions, I turn to Channel 378 on Direct TV and work out with “Rise UP” with Jennifer Brindley Webster. (Can’t fit it in then? DVR it: 8-8:30 a.m.) For one-half hour, my heart rate is increased and my lung capacity enhanced as I stretch and move. Jennifer has benefited me greatly by her encouragement, meeting the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of her participants.
I’ve heard it said that when one exercises, the body releases chemicals called endorphins, which play a major role in boosting one’s mood. Whatever happens, I know it works. On the days I exercise, I feel better. Farm work doesn’t necessarily make that happen for me. I get a sense of satisfaction out of farm work, but I feel energetic after I complete an aerobic workout.
If anyone is struggling with the winter blahs, remember that there is hope, there is help, there is an end to the pain of depression through simple remedies such as taking Vitamin D supplements, talking to a sympathetic friend, prayer and praise, increasing light, exercising, drinking plenty of water and eating properly. Farm families can also seek help through the Rural Health Initiative, where kind, helpful, knowledgeable people are standing by.
Sometimes medication is needed. Don’t hesitate to see your doctor, especially if the depression doesn’t seem to lift or gets consuming. If we have high blood pressure, we get medication. We wouldn’t tell a person to “just get over” a serious illness!
The winter blahs can be beat. There is help!
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