Winter Blues
by Tyora Moody

The short and cold days of the winter often cause individuals to suffer from depression. Some people may begin experiencing depression before and during the holidays because of loneliness and missed loved ones. Others may experience after holiday depression when the bills roll in from excessive holiday spending. 

1. Winter Blahs: mildest form; irritability around February; a sense of "cabin fever" 

2. Winter Doldrums: increased "cabin fever"; increased need for sleep, gain a few pounds; difficulty getting out of bed in the morning." 

3. Seasonal Affective Disorder: people with SAD become seriously depressed each autumn, and can't function normally until spring. Symptoms vary from lethargy, joylessness, hopelessness, anxiety, and social withdrawal, crave additional sleep, gain weight, irresistible cravings for sweets. 

Some suggestions provided: 

1. Get more natural sunlight. 

2. Sit near windows whenever possible

3. Take a walk.

4. Take all or part of your vacation time in winter instead of summer. 

I want to add another suggestion that was not included on the list above. 

During the winter season, I probably fall into the "winter blahs" category. Actually there are a few times during the year no matter which season, I get that "blah" feeling. :) Sometimes things may be going  well and then all of a sudden life may take an unexpected turn. During these abrupt changes we may feel the best solution is to hide under the bed covers and hope everything magically goes back to normal. 

King David expresses one of his "blah" days in this manner. "Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; my eyes wastes away with grief, yes, my soul  and body! For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing (Psalm 31: 9, 10). David was definitely sounding depressed, but notice his suggestion later in this psalm he writes "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord (vs. 24). 

In another article I wrote, "Autumn Transitions", I talked about how the tree stores up glucose for the winter. What happens if the tree does not tap into  it's energy source? It will slowly waste away during the winter! Before Jesus went to the cross, he told the disciples they would have sorrow, but he would send them a Comforter, The Holy Spirit. Many times when things go wrong we spend a lot of wasted energy asking the question "why me?" or we feel sorry for ourselves. When you get that "blah" feeling or you are feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances, remember "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). 

For more information on depression, visit the following URL: http://www.depression.com 

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