Groundhog Day is over; we’re looking forward to six (or more) weeks of winter. While the Groundhog says we have six more weeks of winter, we each choose how we think about that prospect.
For some, this brings a mix of enthusiasm for outdoor winter activities and the hidden joy of complaining about the weather. Many may marvel at the beauty found in a Minnesota winter. The intense sunshine of wintery February afternoons can make us forget the cold, if even for a moment. February also brings some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets of the year, often featuring colorful “sundogs.”
As many as 3% of the general population suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), “a mental health condition triggered by the changing of the seasons.” For people with SAD, spring can never come fast enough. SAD symptoms include oversleeping (hypersomnia); overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates; weight gain; and social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”).
For our colleagues, friends, neighbors, and family members who experience SAD, daily life may be more challenging than usual. Never underestimate the power of a kind word or thought extended to someone suffering from depression, seasonal or not. You can make a difference in someone’s day.
Regardless of when SAD symptoms—or any other type of depression—occur, LCL is here to help.