Summer and fall have officially come and gone, and the cold of winter is setting in. It gets dark earlier, and the days are shorter, which has most people feeling less than enthusiastic. However, if you feel sad or down over the winter months, you're not alone.
Whether you just had a baby and aren't feeling yourself or seem to go through low periods over the winter months, it could be something more than just the blues. At New England Women's Healthcare, our team of eight OB/GYN specialists offers well-woman visits as well as prenatal care and menopause treatments.
The winter months often bring on chilling cold weather and shorter days, which most people don't like. Even with the impending holidays and cheer, winter can bring on feelings of sadness and isolation that may lead to feeling down more often.
But it's not always just the winter blues setting in – it could be something more like seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. The winter blues are typically temporary and often coincide with holiday stress and financial strain. At the same time, SAD symptoms persist and interfere with daily life.
SAD is a type of depression that follows specific seasonal patterns. It's more than just feeling a little blue; it's a type of depression that happens over the shorter days during winter.
Women with SAD could have it from a lack of sunlight and vitamin D or hormonal issues like menopause. A lack of sunlight and time spent outside can lead to an increase in melatonin and a decrease in serotonin, both of which contribute to feelings of depression and sadness, commonly referred to as feeling blue.
Another cause of winter blues is postpartum depression. Having a baby in the colder winter months can lead to feelings of sadness, difficulty bonding with them, and overwhelming tiredness.
Postpartum depression is a form of depression that happens shortly after having a baby. Paired with decreased sun exposure and hormonal changes, it's a recipe for feelings of sadness and depression.
The winter blues may seem like just that. Still, if you recently had a baby and you're struggling to get out of bed or have feelings of self-harm, it's more likely that it's postpartum depression. You need to seek help from us as soon as possible to regulate your mood and feel better.
Many women feel a little down when the sun sets earlier, the days are shorter, and there are more indoor activities than outdoor ones, but that doesn't mean it's normal. If you feel sad more than usual or you have any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of a bigger hormonal problem:
Women who have postpartum depression may also experience irritability or increased anger, feelings of guilt or shame, and restlessness or difficulty sleeping.
If you think you have more than just the blues, it's essential to make an appointment for treatment. We evaluate your hormone levels and provide lifestyle treatments or medications to help you navigate the long winter months.
Contact your nearest New England Women's Healthcare office to discuss the winter blues and helpful tips with our team, or schedule an appointment online.
