Many people experience alterations in their mood as the seasons change. These alterations are normal and can be managed. There may be many explanations for your different frames of mind:
1. Your circumstances may have changed this year and not be the same as they were during this season a year ago. Your children may have gone away to college. They may be married with allegiances to new and expanded family. You may have lost a spouse related to divorce or death.
2. Daylight savings time changes your routine and even the alteration of just one hour, more or less, can disrupt your mood.
3. As winter months approach, you are likely to be exposed to less sunlight and its vitamin D. These differences can lead to depression. Talk with your health care provider about whether vitamin D supplements may be indicated.
4. Should you feel depressed, you may try to cope with it by eating to combat your lower mood. Some increase in weight will not solve the problem. It is likely to make it worse.
5. Changes in family circumstance may encourage your sense of isolation. Hospitalization - or death - of a family member will clearly underlie melancholic feelings.
We can't change winter into summer, but, there are things you can do to encourage alleviation of the stress related to seasonal mood changes.
1. Get as much time in the sunlight as possible. Do remember that during winter or summer, it is best to protect your skin with moisturizers containing sun protection factors
2. Do your best to maintain a regular schedule such that you wake up, go to sleep and enjoy your recreational time on a routine basis.
3. If family members who were previously a part of your activities are no longer available, establish different connections so that additional friends and family can become part of your "new normal."
4. Take care of yourself with a healthy diet including fruits and vegetables, maintain adequate comfortable sleep patterns as much a possible and get physical exercise.
5. Talk with your health care provider about the possibility of medication to improve your symptoms.
"Remember that it is not about perfect. It is about effort. Keep going...Remember why you started." (Spanish proverb)