Seasonal Mood Disorder
Seasonal Mood Disorder Better Known (for me) as December
By: Donnell Ann Bell
Yesterday, I stared out my great room windows to be greeted with darkness—at five p.m. I was still standing upright, hadn’t made dinner yet, and was beginning to yawn.
Somehow, I created a nice chef salad dinner, finished my friend Author Barbara Nickless’s, The Drowning Game, which is excellent, by the way, and did my physical 
therapy exercises. After that, my husband and I played cards and watched a half hour of television.
I did all this because if I went to bed at seven p.m. I would be up at two a.m. So, I worked hard to make it till nine p.m. And despite my best efforts awoke at midnight.
According to Wikipedia, Seasonal Mood Disorder (paraphrasing) affects typically “normal” people with seasonal depression symptoms associated with the reduction and/or decrease in total daily sunlight.
The article also says the following symptoms accompany SAD.
- A tendency to overeat
- A tendency to sleep too much
- A general feeling of malaise or sluggishness
I think it’s ironic that during the busiest time of year, e.g. holiday shopping, Christmas cards, newsletters, parties, travel, in addition to writing a book, my body is telling me to slow down.
I refuse to give in. To combat SAD, I am:
- Exercising during daylight hours
- Stocking my pantry with limited snacking items
- Standing while writing instead of sitting
- And watching the clock.
Source: Pixabay Photo by Jonathan Stoklas
If I were smart, I’d give up caffeine, but, hey, I’m only human.
The winter solstice, e.g. the shortest day of the year, is December 21 or 22 and occurs when either of the Earth ‘s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. (Again Source: Wikipedia).
It could be worse; I could be a bear. Did you know bears hibernate from October, November until April—or when the snow melts?
I think there’s something to SAD. On December 26th, I feel better? How about you? How’s your energy level during December?
I’m with you, Donnell, except my SAD sets in after the holidays, usually the day we take down the tree and pack up the ornaments. It lessens as the days grow longer.
Glad to know I’m not alone, Lois! I should have mentioned, I love staring at the Christmas tree and twinkling lights. 🙂
You’re not alone. There’s a reason we need colorful lights this time of year. Fortunately for me, my dog doesn’t suffer from SAD. I mean, kibble is at 6 a.m. dog time, not matter what the clock says.
Ha ha! Brooke. If I didn’t travel so much, I’d get a dog 🙁 I read about the Kunming Wolf Dog in The Drowning Game. Can’t have one as it’s way too hot in Las Cruces 🙂
For me it’s Dec. I start feeling better as soon as winter solstice has passed. My logical mind knows it takes a couple more days after the solstice for the days to lengthen by even one minute, and in Kansas the coldest month is often February, however, I feel like spring is coming the day after the solstice. Hang in there! We’re almost there!
Thanks, Barb, isn’t that strange?! Glad to know I’m not alone.
Donnell, I’m completely with you. I’d love to play bear and hibernate until spring. Kudos for all you’re doing to combat SAD. And thanks for the shoutout! 🙂
You’re welcome, Barb. Great book. Congrats.
There is a light you can shine on your face for a few minutes a day to combat SAD. Of course, spring does the same thing.
Ha! Bring on Spring, Debra 🙂
My husband is in the SAD camp. Other than the “buying” stress of the Christmas season, I’m at my best the 2nd half of December and most of January, but by the end of January, I sink. February, the shortest month of the year, feels like the longest!
Rhonda, how interesting. It doesn’t list any timetable for SAD. Maybe that’s the best time to spend in Arizona! xo
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