The third Monday of January, known as “Blue Monday,” has gotten a reputation as the “gloomiest day of the year.” It all started with a publicity stunt in 2005, and the result was a complex equation accounting for weather, post-holiday letdown, failed resolutions and more.
It was, however, just complicated nonsense.
There is no “most depressing” day of the year, and even if there were some way to average all these subjective variables, it wouldn’t necessarily apply to you. But the idea caught traction, perhaps because seasonal depression is a very real, measured phenomenon. January is a tough month for many.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a recurrent major depressive disorder that occurs during the same time each year — most often in the winter months. “Psychology Today” estimates that SAD affects around 10 million Americans, with another 10 to 20 percent suffering from mild symptoms.
While a root cause for SAD is not known, it’s thought to be connected to melatonin, serotonin and vitamin D levels, all of which can be affected by the shift in available daylight during the winter.
Monitor your mood and energy level during the winter months, and take advantage of the available sunlight when you can. Symptoms of SAD to watch out for include:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Tendency to oversleep
- Changes in appetite
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Avoiding social situations
If you notice these symptoms, talk to your health care provider. Treatment options could include light therapy, vitamin D supplementation, antidepressant medication and counseling.