Winter is a time for joy and wonder for most people. But it can also be a time when stress and depression sneak their way into our lives and will not let go. Despite all the happy music, jolly decorations and happy children, some adults become overwhelmed during and after the holidays and start feeling down. The combination of busy schedules, busy days and not enough sunlight, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can become almost debilitating to some people. In an effort to help our community cope, here are some helpful tips to stay positive and happy during this trying time.

The holidays brought parties, shopping, decorations and music into our lives. However, now they are over, and many of us have been left with financial worries, sad thoughts and gloomy weather. Just because the music said your days should have been merry and bright does not mean they were. It is important to recognize when you, or those around you, are starting to show signs of depression. If you can catch it early, it will be easier to conquer and control.

When the holidays end and the clean up is over, many of us are left feeling empty and sad. We might remember family members we lost who were not around this year, family far away we were not able to see and other memories that might have left us feeling down. This in combination with cloudy winter days and exhaustion from the previous month of mayhem, can wreak havoc on our mental health. Sometimes it is just a temporary lull, but other times it becomes a real problem. We need to learn to recognize when we are in need of some cheering up or if we are in need of some extra help. Check out these sites, which will give you information to help yourself. There is the National Mental Health Association’s page on Seasonal Affective Disorder, Advocate Health Care’s tips for recognizing and Beating The Winter Blues and Health A to Z’s article about Crashing After the Holidays. With the right information, you can get through winter with a happy demeanor, and welcome the wintry New Year with open arms.

Before your mood becomes such that you cannot function, make sure you seek help. You do not have to feel this way, and there are things that can be done to prevent you from feeling depressed. For additional advice and information, check out this other site about Seasonal Affective Disorder and some interesting ways to help those suffering with it, and this site from WebMD with even more information about Beating the Winter Blues.

We hope all the members of Womens-Place have a cheerful winter season!

~Julie is a freelance writer, wife and Mother. She works from home as a Jr. Editor for a mystery shopping company and has a family full of SAD sufferers. She hopes to beat the winter blues herself at her new home in sunny Southern California.