www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 81 Lee added that the traditional scientific causes for SAD are now accompanied by economic, social and political elements that have been increasing in the wake of the COVID pandemic. “Not being able to find affordable living in the Charleston area, for example, has been mentioned to me time and time again by patients when they discuss their main triggers for depression and anxiety,” Lee said. “And many of my young adult patients, who have grown up in the area and attended college in South Carolina, report worsening moods and extreme stress over the cost of living. When people can't pay their bills, it is natural to become depressed.” Traditional SAD symptoms often include oversleeping, overeating, having low energy and feeling hopeless – things everyone experiences from time to time. “And then there are also atypical symptoms such as weight gain, carbohydrate cravings, irritability, slowed movement and heaviness of limbs,” Lee said. Under normal circumstances, treatment can include psychotherapy and antidepressants. But Lee pointed out that even with the usual symptoms and the unwanted extras, relief from winter SAD doesn’t have to happen from just medicine and professional help. “I recommend limiting the amount of hours spent watching news broadcasts,” said Lee. “Everyone needs to be informed, but constantly being bombarded with world politics, nuclear war threats, school shootings and politicians being assaulted is not good for anybody’s mental state.” FOUR HOME REMEDIES FOR WINTER BLUES • Open the blinds and sit closer to windows while at home or in the office. • Get outside and engage in an activity, such as taking a walk or eating lunch at a park. • Exercise regularly to lift your mood and help relieve stress and anxiety. • Schedule reliable times to wake up and go to bed each day, especially for fall-winter-onset seasonal affective disorder. Source: Casey Lee and the Mayo Clinic: mayoclinic.org.
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