Beating the Winter Blues

When the weather is cold and the days are darker, it can be challenging to keep up a happy and upbeat mindset. The ‘winter blues’ are quite normal and many people experience feelings of sadness and loneliness during the chillier months. A more severe form of the ‘winter blues’ is known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with seasonal patterns. MDD with seasonal patterns is a well-defined clinical diagnosis that can occur in the darker, colder months. According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 5% of US adults experience MDD with seasonal patterns. Symptoms can include fatigue, excessive sleep and lack of interest in normal activities. Here are a few effective tips to manage both winter blues and MDD with seasonal patterns: