Are the winter blues getting you down?

With winter here, perhaps you’re not quite feeling your normal self. Maybe you’re a bit sluggish, a little irritable, sleeping longer or just feeling a little down in general? Welcome to what’s commonly called the “winter blues” or the “winter blahs.”

It is a fairly common problem and while it’s often minor, there are times when it can be a quite serious issue. Some people find winter weather affects them strongly enough that it makes daily life difficult. Severe cases are known as seasonal affective disorder and can be serious enough to warrant treatment by a mental health professional.

But for most people these winter blues are just a minor inconvenience and, fortunately, one that they can do something about.

One contributing factor is the shorter days and lack of sunlight in winter. The obvious cure is to increase the amount of light in their life. If it’s a bright, sunny day, bundle up and get outside for a bit. If it’s gray and dreary, try turning on extra lights to brighten things up and use broad spectrum bulbs, which are often sold as “therapy lights,” to simulate natural sunlight.

Exercise also helps fight those tired and sluggish feelings. Just a short daily walk or gym workout can help the body and mind overcome feelings of low energy.

And even small changes can make a difference. When feeling down, give a friend a call and talk about happy things. Watch a favorite funny TV show or movie. Read a great book or spend some time on a much-loved hobby.

Getting involved with others is another way to feel better. Start going out more, whether it’s socializing with friends or volunteering at church, a local shelter or nonprofit agency. Helping others almost always brings better feelings, and when combined with a nice bright smile, people may find they just don’t have time to feel blue.

Of course, there are many things that can cause sad feelings besides cold, gray skies. If anyone finds that they just can’t overcome such feelings, and it’s interfering with their enjoyment of a normal life, seek help. A professional counselor can both help pinpoint the cause of these feelings and suggest ways to overcome the problem.

The bottom line is take action and don’t let the winter blues take the fun out of life.

Counseling Corner is provided by the American Counseling Association. Send comments and questions to [email protected] or visit the ACA website at http://www.counseling.org.