THE SEASONAL BLUES HIT HOME IN FLORIDA TOO!
Even if you live in Florida, when the days get shorter you may feel “SAD.” SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder and you don’t have to live up North to feel those “winter blues!”
You can live in Palm Beach County and still have feelings of depression because of shorter days with less sunlight. Maybe the holidays didn’t live up to your expectations, and you are anxious because family is far away, or sad due to the recent loss of a loved one.
In addition, don’t discount these SAD symptoms:
- Hopelessness or helplessness.
- Irritability.
- Loss of interest in favorite activities, withdrawal.
- Fatigue, lethargy or lack of energy.
- Difficulty with concentration, memory and decision-making.
- Sleep problems.
- Changes in weight, increased appetite.
SAD generally starts when we turn the clocks back in the fall and chemical changes occur in the brain and disrupt the body’s rhythms. It is more prevalent in the homebound or those with a chronic illness.
- Open the curtains or blinds during the day to let in the light
- Add some colorful plants to the home
- Start a light exercise program or chair yoga
- Make sure there are no vitamin deficiencies (especially Vitamin D or serotonin) or nutritional issues
Don’t suffer in silence, talk to your doctor. Often SAD is treated with light therapy, talk therapy, or anti-depressants. The goal is to stop negative thoughts and re-engage socially.
Most importantly, remember you are not alone. Even though family may be far away, Visiting Angels is right around the corner. Looking for a companion to get yourself or a loved one up and out into the fresh air, help with shopping, cooking, run errands, provide medication reminders? You might be surprised by our menu of home care services available in the Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach areas.
Till Next Time!
Irv Seldin, JD, President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
*THIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.