Keep busy to keep winter depression at bay

January, February and March – tend to produce mental states in many individuals that are less enthusiastic, less energetic and perhaps even melancholy.

Mental health research has shown that some individuals suffer from what is known as seasonal affective disorder. This problem appears to stem from shorter daylight hours during winter. By March or April, when daylight hours extend, their psychological state improves.

S.A.D. suffers may gain weight, have less energy and often become depressed. Some experts believe that increasing an individual’s exposure to full-spectrum light during the day helps decrease this seasonal affective disorder.

There are other things, however, that may enable those who prefer spring, summer or fall to make it through the early months of the year. I have found many of the following tips helpful in counseling those trying to deal with the wintertime “blah’s”.

• Become involved in some evening activity that keeps the time between sunset and bedtime from seeming so incredibly long. Boredom during this period may cause us to eat or fill the time with unhealthy activities. Individuals who like sports could become involved in the local basketball scene. You can obtain some good reading material to provide entertainment, develop an indoor hobby, enroll in a night course at the junior college or even check out some movies at the video-rental store.

• Consider becoming involved in some volunteer activity. Meals on Wheels, after-school programs for children and other organizations need help. Your involvement will make you feel useful and decrease the tendency to focus on yourself. Time will fly.

• Keep exercising. During bad weather, consider walking at the mall. Get a stationary bicycle or rowing machine. Swim in an indoor pool. Maintaining fitness and a good body image is important for everyone, but many people tend to “hibernate” and expend less energy during the winter.

• Plan for spring and summer activities by planning a garden. Obtain catalogs, search the "net”, etc.

• Perform duties that seem to be difficult to do during the rest of the year. Clean and reorganize drawers and closets; reline pantry shelves; clear the garage.

As you can tell from the above suggestions, I am primarily suggesting that individuals keep busy, keep their minds active and avoid the tendency to sit and stare out the window waiting for the first signs of spring.

I have talked with individuals who live in an area where there is virtually no weather change from one season to another. The skies are always blue, the mean temperature is 75, the leaves are always on the trees and the grass is always green. Most of these people tell me they become very bored with the lack of change. I can believe this because most human beings thrive on variety. Remember that each day is precious and can never be recaptured. Enjoy them as they come and keep in mind that spring is always just around the corner.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 2001