Seasonal Affective Disorder

I was talking with one of my mentors today when I said, “So right now it’s sunny”, referring to my feelings about work. She then asks, “Are you affected by that?”

She was asking if I suffer from Season Affective Disorder (SAD). I was just referring to my mood for the week so far! But that got me thinking…

Let’s start by reviewing SAD. According to the Mayo Clinic: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.

Typical signs of SAD include feeling depressed (sometimes mistakenly called the “winter blues”), losing interest in activities, low energy, trouble sleeping, change to appetite or weight, difficulty concentrating, agitation, and anxiety. SAD is a legit condition that may require support from your doctor. Please don’t ignore the signs!

So how does this relate to Work at Home and my train of thought? I don’t suffer from SAD. Or do I?

One of the things I have written about time and again is that Work At Home folks need to get out of the house and be social. Humans are social creatures. And if you stay locked in your home all day, you will likely end up with cabin fever. No TV and no beer make Homer something something…

Now add on Winter. With shorter days and bitter cold, who really wants to go outside? It’s dark in the morning before you get started. It’s dark after work when you are done. Just looking out the window at grey skies is enough to make you sad. So, what do you do? You stay inside. You’re less social. You aren’t doing yard work. You’re not walking the dog. You’re a hermit until the spring thaw.

In-office workers leave the house. Granted, they must drive in the snow and ice and walk to buildings in frosty temps. But they are out of the house! You, on the other hand, never escape. You’re being held captive by your work and the seasons. There is no escape, no way out. You stare at these walls all day, every day, waiting to be released.

This is why I started looking at SAD differently. I never considered it before. But, Work At Home can actually create worse conditions for you and cause new suffering. Even if you broke free from your home, what would you do? There are no fairs, no al fresco dining, no picnics, no walking groups, etc. because it’s dark, cold, and no one wants to be outside. So how do you cope?

First, you approach SAD from a traditional mindset. Light therapy, aromatherapy, exercise, opening the curtains on the rare sunny days, manage your nutrition, and meditate. You may also need professional help with medications or talk therapy. But, when Work At Home is adding to it, you absolutely MUST create ways to get out of the house. Try new indoor activities such as paint classes, joining a gym, book clubs, wine tastings, volunteering, adult education, potlucks with friends, and so on. There are plenty of possibilities. The key is effort from you.

Sure, it’s tempting to put on your comfy pants and curl up in a blanket for the entire evening. I know my pups and I certainly enjoy that time! (Hubby does too I guess – LOL!) However, you must force yourself out into the world, or your home will consume your wellbeing. We’ve created new causes influencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, but we also hold many keys to unlock ourselves. Be free and be well!