Seasonal Depression

Winter Blues, Cancer, and Ways to Ward Off Both 

Let’s face it — our mental state, our mood, and emotions play a crucial role in our overall health. Whenever we feel down, we aren’t as prone to take care of ourselves like we should. We seek out quick-fix sources of serotonin, which frequently equate to unhealthy choices and behaviors. As the winter months approach their peak, our bodies crave sunshine and warmth, affecting our emotions and even causing seasonal depression in some.  

The Link Between Mental Health and Cancer

Multiple studies show that depression and anxiety can be precursors to various cancer diagnoses. While most of the findings link mental disorders to brain and lung cancers, there are also a number of studies showing that breast cancer patients who suffer from depression have a reduced chance of survival. This is likely due to the fact that depression causes apathy and an unwillingness to help ourselves by getting treatment. 

The connection between mental health and cancer is understandable. Much of cancer is preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and regular self-care routines. Eating healthy, exercising, and abstaining from harmful substances are all great ways to prevent the development of cancer. However, when we are feeling blue, we are much more likely to engage in binging on junk, neglecting the gym, and indulging in alcohol, tobacco, etc. 

What is Seasonal Depression? 

Seasonal affective disorder, or (ironically) SAD, affects millions of people. Many of them brush it off as simply having the winter blues, but in reality this condition is very much real, and much more widespread than believed. 

Usually, its effects begin in late fall and continue throughout the winter months. Most causes of SAD are linked to the reduction of sunlight we are exposed to. This leads to a disruption in our biological clocks and a disbalance in our levels of melatonin, resulting in poor sleep and a severe drop in energy. Additionally, reduced exposure to sunlight can lead to a drop in serotonin — the brain chemical responsible for positive emotions — which in turn causes depressive feelings.  

You may be experiencing seasonal depression if you find yourself sad for prolonged periods of time, losing interest in beloved activities, feeling sluggish, oversleeping, craving carbs and fats, or losing focus easily. All of these symptoms can lead to unhealthy behavior choices, such as unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and substance abuse. 

Ways to Battle the Big SAD

While there is no way to fully prevent seasonal depression from occurring, there are some things you can do to get through it effectively. If you are feeling the symptoms listed above for some time, talk to your doctor and consider the following tips. 

    1. Vitamin D

Sometimes known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for our overall health. There are, of course, dietary sources of vitamin D, but we actually rely on the sun to get it a lot of the time. Since most of the known causes of SAD are linked to a reduction in sunlight, and therefore vitamin D, you can supplement it in over-the-counter pill form. Talk to a pharmacist and follow product guidance in accordance to your age and weight before using!

    2. Socialization!

Many studies have found links between isolation and depression. As much as we sometimes just want to mope on our couch under a big blanket and binge Netflix during the winter months, it’s important to maintain an active social life to ward off SAD. Even mid-pandemic, there are some creative ways to get together with friends and family via video chats, virtual events, and socially-distanced (and bundled up) outings. 

   3.Light Therapy

So, obviously we cannot create actual sunlight, but artificial light lamps, or light boxes, can do the trick! A light box is a small lamp that emits UV light, mimicking the effects of sunlight. While there are multiple affordable options available out there, make sure to talk to your doctor and follow the product instructions carefully. 

Want more advice? Check out these awesome suggestions! And, as always, remember to prioritize self-care, strive to make healthy choices, eat a balanced diet, squeeze in some exercise, and pay attention to your body.