It’s hard to be upbeat in winter when days are short, cold, and overcast. Sometimes you just want to stay in your pajamas and avoid going out. In such cases, you may have the winter blues and need depression treatment, and it’s going to take some self-discipline and recovery motivation to shake them off. Seasonal depression can be a highly debilitating condition, but it is treatable in most cases.
At Red Oak Recovery®, we understand the challenges that come along with seasonal depression. Therefore, at our mental health treatment center for men, we are proud to provide support and winter blues and depression treatment. You don’t have to live with your symptoms for the next few months. There is help and hope available. Contact Red Oak Recovery® today at 866.457.7590 to learn more about our services or to speak to one of our team members.
What Are the Winter Blues?
The term winter blues is a colloquial term that refers to seasonal affective disorder. This form of depression occurs around December every year and remains throughout the winter months. Many people battle seasonal affective disorder regularly year after year. In many cases, this condition can feel debilitating and can cause the person suffering from this condition to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. Symptoms of seasonal may include:
- Cravings for carbs, leading to disordered eating habits
- Extreme lack of energy or fatigue, resulting in sleeping more
- Feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- Limbs feeling heavy
- Increased irritability or anxiety
- Loss of interest in your usual hobbies, including withdrawal from your normal social circles
In more severe cases, some people may experience thoughts of death or suicide. Some people may turn to drugs or alcohol to numb these feelings, but this can quickly turn into an addiction if it goes untreated. Fortunately, there is a range of strategies that you can use to mitigate the winter blues symptoms.
Strategies to Manage the Winter Blues
You know from rehab and recovery therapy that filling your time with new interests and activities is important for staying on track. Being active is just as important when you have the winter blues. So, review your recovery goals, add some extra incentives, and set about losing the winter blues.
- Goal #1: Keep to a structured schedule. Know ahead of time when you will go to bed, when you will rise, and when you will have your meals. Stick to your schedule and fill in extra slots with support meetings, coffee with a friend, or an hour to read a good book or write in a journal.
- Goal #2: Take care of yourself. You may feel like lounging all day in your grubby sweats but opt instead for the comfort of casual dress. Don’t neglect your personal hygiene, exercise, and meditation routines. This might be the time to treat yourself to something special—a day at the spa or a trip to a museum or art gallery.
- Goal #3: Get outside and do something. Being outdoors is invigorating and gives you much-needed vitamin D. Build a snowman, shovel a neighbor’s driveway, or just go for a walk. Being outdoors and interacting with people is good for your body, mind, and soul.
Begin Recovery at Red Oak Recovery® Today
Red Oak Recovery® is a unique North Carolina treatment center for young men. Combining recreational therapy, clinical treatment, and healthy nutrition into gender-specific programs, our licensed staff will tailor a treatment program to your individual needs. Are you ready to begin recovery for you or a loved one? Call 866.457.7590 today to start the enrollment process and inquire about insurance coverage and affordable self-pay options.
