Expert's tips to beat the winter blues
With the cold weather officially upon us and the days getting darker sooner, more Aussies are finding it tougher to beat the winter blues.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was first identified in 1984 by psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal, where a connection was identified between the colder weather and feelings of lethargy, being overwhelmed, unable to make decisions, over eating and wanting to stay in bed – typical symptoms associated with depression.
Tips to beat seasonal depression in the colder months. Today Extra
And psychologist Sandy Rea told Today Extra there are certain types of people who are more prone to getting these winter blues.
“It seems to run in families and in people who live further away from the equator,” she said.
“Young females in their reproductive years seem to be more vulnerable and there is suggestion it is related to the sex hormones.”
But Rea said it typically affects people who tend to be away from the sun for prolonged periods.
She said there can be instances of feeling down or “mania”, brought on by other seasonal weather, but the “winter blues” are what have been well documented.
Rea suggested things like eating healthy, avoiding alcohol, exercise, meditation and yoga, and prioritising sleep can all help avoid the winter blues.
And increasing vitamin D – but if there is no sun to help with that last pointer, there is a device called a SAD lamp that emits a warm light similar to the sun.
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