Navigating Seasonal Affective Disorder in Chicago Winters

Chicago is a vibrant and lively city throughout the year, from its sunny summers to its picturesque winter scenery. While the city is full of breathtaking views and a diverse array of experiences to be had, the winter season can bring about challenges for its residents. One such challenge exists in the form of Seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Let’s explore Seasonal affective disorder and discover what makes it a particularly difficult issue to manage in the midst of Chicago winters.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as simply SAD, is a type of depression that occurs at the same time each year, usually during the fall and winter months when it gets dark earlier in the day. For residents of Chicago, the way winter replaces long sunny days with shorter, far more chilly ones can make the effects of SAD more pronounced and difficult to overcome.

In northern cities like Chicago, winter’s reduction of sunlight can lead individuals who live with Seasonal affective disorder to feel persistent sadness, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, and disturbed sleeping patterns.

Fortunately, though, there are several coping strategies that residents of Chicago can employ to help get them through the gloomy colder months.

SAD Coping Strategies to try during Chicago winters

If you’re living with symptoms of Seasonal affective disorder and the short winter days are getting you down, try the following:

Get Exercise

Getting a decent amount of exercise can help boost your mood. Even if you don’t get in a full workout, a simple walk can help make you feel better during difficult days, even during Chicago winters. If it’s too cold outside to be out long, try exercising at home or use one of Chicago’s many indoor fitness centers.

Try Light Therapy

Going outside and getting sunshine can help make the long winter nights feel just a little less daunting. Try walking outside for a few minutes, sitting in front of a sunlit window, or investing in a light therapy box. These boxes imitate sunlight and may help lessen the SAD symptoms you’re experiencing.

Join a Support Group

If you’re feeling like you want to connect with others, consider joining a local support group. Support groups can help get you in touch with those who share your challenges. In Chicago, support groups are quite diverse, so you can meet either in person or virtually, depending on your preference.

Take Up a Hobby

To take your mind off of the negativity that the winter season may bring, consider taking up a new hobby. Try something that captures your interest like reading a new book, trying yoga, painting, or joining an arts and crafts class.

Try Keeping the Same Sleep Schedule

Do your best to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, as doing so can help stabilize your sleep-wake cycle. Getting adequate sleep can help mitigate some of the symptoms you’re struggling with.

Seasonal affective disorder can be particularly stressful to deal with if you live in a northern area like Chicago. If you’re feeling the effects of SAD and you believe that therapy would be beneficial, we invite you to reach out to us at DK Therapy.