United States: As per the expert reports, the Winter season could trigger a major dip in mood for several of us, owing to a combination of factors such as shorter days, less sunlight, and colder weather.
The experts note that these factors push motivation to lower levels, ruining our urge to ride outdoors, which sometimes can lead to mood swings for a few.
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During extreme manifestation cases, one can also be affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a kind of depression associated with seasonal change and brings deteriorating results, rather than just the winter blues.
According to Dr Rachael Molitor, Chartered Psychologist and Lecturer at Coventry University, “The winter blues refers to a mild, temporary dip in mood that many experience during the darker, colder, winter months when daylight hours are reduced and the weather becomes variable and inconsistent,” cyclingweekly.com reported.
“Symptoms of the winter blues include feeling slightly more tired, sluggish, or unmotivated, especially when getting outside or with tasks that need physical or cognitive energy expenditure,” Molitor continued.
Expert explains
As experts note, these feelings do not normally intervene in the day-to-day routine and can be prevented by distraction and social interaction, as well as by someone who can help in the release of endorphins and dopamine.
Moreover, Dr. Molitor adds, “The winter blues are fairly common and can be characterized by a general sense of ‘feeling down’ without causing major disruption to one’s life.”
About SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a serious condition and is referred to as a clinically diagnosed form of depression, seen during winter months too.
The NHS says that nearly 2 million in the US and 12 million across northern Europe face SAD each year.
“SAD has a significant impact on daily functioning, including persistent sadness and feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, physical and cognitive fatigue, and changes in sleep and appetite,” Dr. Molitor noted.
Further, the expert mentioned that SAD might sometimes require professional treatment as well, which involves clinically approved light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or even sometimes medication. “While winter blues can be managed through lifestyle changes, social interaction, and communication, SAD victims may need clinical help and support,” Dr. Molitor