How to Beat the Winter Blues: Tips for Seniors in Fairfield
.jpg)
Many seniors experience the winter blues. To beat them, consider using light therapy and prioritizing exercise, diet changes, and quality sleep during the fall and winter months.
1 in 20 American adults suffer from the winter blues annually, but it's possible to overcome them. As a senior in the southeastern Iowa city of Fairfield, don't let the blues get you down, but take action as soon as you notice changes in your mood. The sooner you seek help, the quicker you can boost your mood and start enjoying your favorite activities.
Ready to get relief from seasonal depression? Below, we'll give you some winter wellness ideas and tell you how to beat the winter blues in Fairfield, IA.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Also known as the winter blues, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a disorder that's common during fall and winter and can affect people of all ages. Similar to depression, SAD can cause a senior to experience mood changes in which feelings of sadness and hopelessness become overwhelming.
Seasonal depression is common in the fall and winter because it's linked to a lack of sun exposure, something that is in shorter supply during this time of the year.Failing to get enough sun exposure during these months can lead to a vitamin D deficiency, a deficiency in serotonin, and an increase in melatonin production. Combined, these changes can lead to the low mood that is common among sufferers of the winter blues.
Keep in mind that there are also other symptoms of SAD besides just a low mood. Those with seasonal depression may experience mental, emotional, and physical symptoms. Seniors with SAD may be prone to oversleeping and could experience fatigue, weight changes, difficulty concentrating, or difficulty enjoying their favorite activities.
What Is the Best Thing for Winter Blues?
The best cure for the winter blues is to get more sunlight exposure. Getting more sun can help to stimulate more vitamin D and serotonin production in the body and can reduce melatonin levels.
Because it can be difficult to get sun exposure in the fall and winter months, light therapy is often used in its place. This artificial light can help provide a lot of the same benefits that natural light can and can help relieve the symptoms of the winter blues.
If you're suffering from seasonal depression, it's important to see a medical professional to get advice. Other treatment options that a doctor may recommend if you're seeking seasonal affective disorder help include:
- Talk therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Antidepressants
- Vitamin D supplementation
Basic lifestyle changes that can lead to relief from depression and help combat mood problems can also be helpful for SAD. Eating right, getting enough exercise, and getting enough high-quality sleep can all be memory care mood boosters.
It's important to do your part in reversing seasonal affective disorder and to avoid relying on treatments such as antidepressants alone. Making lifestyle changes and adopting healthy habits is essential for turning the tide of winter depression and can help a senior begin to feel like their best self again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do the Winter Blues Usually Last?
The winter blues usually start around October each year, and if left unchecked, can continue as late as February.Seasonal depression is common during these five months of the year, so it can cause a big burden that can put your entire year in jeopardy.
It's important to take steps toward relieving the symptoms of SAD early on if you want to feel your best and enjoy your life to the fullest. Be sure to move beyond the stigma surrounding mental health and speak to a medical professional to shorten seasonal depression and maintain a positive outlook.
What Is the Toughest Month of SAD?
Although seniors commonly experience SAD during the months between October and February, the later months in this time frame tend to be the most difficult. In January and February, days are short and are even more lacking in sunlight than the other fall and winter months.
Some people start to experience symptoms for the first time during January and February. Others will have been dealing with a low mood for several months already, with things continuing to get worse for them at the end of the season.
How to Avoid Winter Depression?
If you want to avoid winter depression, it's best to start implementing some lifestyle changes before October begins. Taking steps to keep yourself happy and healthy ahead of time can be well worth it.
To maintain a positive mood, participating in exercise and wellness activities is a great first step. You should also be eating nutritious meals and putting effort into getting at least seven or eight hours of high-quality sleep every night.
Spending time socializing with family and friends, going outside to get more sunlight exposure, and participating in other activities that bring joy can all contribute to mental and emotional health for seniors. These activities can help you be well-prepared for the fall and winter.
As the fall and winter arrive, maintaining these healthy habits may help you bypass the feelings of the winter blues altogether.
Learning How to Beat the Winter Blues in Fairfield, IA
If you're trying to learn how to beat the winter blues, don't give up too soon. By understanding the treatment options and taking steps to improve your lifestyle, you can boost your mood and eliminate the symptoms of SAD. Be sure to exercise regularly, eat right, and sleep well, and consider other treatments such as light therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy if you're ready to get relief from seasonal depression.
Making a move to a senior living community can be a great decision for seniors in Iowa. Consider moving into Addington Place of Fairfield if you want to get access to amazing amenities, interesting activities, comfortable floor plans, assisted living support, and a welcoming senior community.
Think that senior living might be for you? Reach out to us today to learn more about our assisted living and memory care options in Fairfield, IA.