Winter Wonderland or Winter Woes?

January 2022

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus

Most folks have a certain opinion about their favorite season. This writer is all about autumn; it’s the perfect balance of hopefulness and melancholy, and that first hint of a change in the air is exhilarating. As someone who nests, I am not daunted by the sun setting by 5 pm and the anticipation of an early dinner and flannel pjs before 6 or 7 pm. I like the thought of going inward, a reprieve for my body and soul. I DO like spring, but summer and heat and humidity make me cranky. Even as I enjoy lounging poolside and the air on soft summer evenings, it is not a time of year when I thrive.

What about you? For some, winter is more a sense of impending despair and darkness. A time of woefulness if you will. Early darkness presses in and it seems as if sunlight is never bright enough, even if there isn’t a cloud in the sky. It’s as if the chilly air directly affects how brightly the sun may shine. For those who thrive in spring and summer, it is common to see social media posts about the winter solstice, knowing it is a marker for the days to become longer and the promise of new life returning repeatedly. Summer means more sun, more recreation and vacation, and a boost of spirit warmed by time spent outdoors. As John Denver sang, “Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.”

For others, it isn’t even about a preference, but a very real occurrence known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a medical diagnosis mostly experienced in the winter months. It is usually accompanied by recurrent depressive episodes with marked impairment of functioning at work and in social relations. There is also an increase in appetite, specifically craving foods high in carbohydrates and increased duration of sleep. A widely known and affective treatment of choice for patients is light therapy, with a prescribed amount of “bright light time” from a light box that can lessen symptoms of depression. Not surprisingly, “remission” follows in spring and summer.

We all have days when we feel down, but with the onset of winter, if that feeling persists for days at a time, please visit your healthcare provider. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed, you turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation, or you have thoughts of self-harm. Please don’t brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the “winter blues” or a seasonal funk you must tough out on your own. Help is available.

Know we care, “Winter, spring, summer, or fall… You’ve Got a Friend.”

Be Well …

Arkansas Hospice Employee Wellness Council (EWC) Keeping you Well – Mind, Body, & Spirit

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