Sad, or Seasonal Affective Disorder; What It is; And How to Combat The Feelings of Depression

                Glancing out of the window as I sit, my own reflection stares back at me from the steamy, rain splattered windows.  One aspect of living on any coast, or in a rain forest, no matter where it may be in this world, is that you just have to get used to the rain.  From November through the winter, and often well into May, it will rain.  Oh there may be a sunny day or two here and there, but for the most part, the weather in the winter is rain.  Between storms here in Oregon, one looks for the famous “blue hole.”  This is a hole in the clouds that serves to remind one that there is still a sun in the sky, and yes, this rain too shall pass, if only one waits long enough.

                Along with this never-ending deluge, in some of us there occurs an accompanying down pouring of the spirit.  It is especially hard to keep the spirits up when everything else around you is coming down.  This is an especially dreary time for those of us who suffer from SAD, or seasonal affective disorder.    This is a real problem, and usually occurs from November to February in Northern climes, and in earlier years could also be called “cabin fever.”

                 It’s the lack of sunlight which brings on the depression.  Consider investing in the daylight sun lamps especially made for those who suffer from this seasonal depression, such as the Phillips GoLite P1 Blue Spectrum Light Therapy Device which bring the latest technology to alleviate the symptoms of SAD.  Another one is the TRAVelite 10,000 Lux SAD Light Therapy Light Box, and there is something comforting in just the name of the NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp.  When the sun does shine on those rare winter days, force yourself to get out in it, for as long as you are able.  It’s free medicine for anyone with SAD. 

                There is so much advice written to keep one occupied in the snowy climates of the North (where between snow storms, at least the sun shines), but absolutely no advice given for those of us who live in the rainy Pacific coastal area, where the days are short, grey and wet.  The secret lies in knowing what gives any of us that extra special lift.  Humans can get their spirits lifted in so many different ways.  For gardeners, it may be that urge to grow something, anything that gets us out of the doldrums.  Growing spring bulbs indoors after Christmas is one way to get a jump on spring.  Paperwhites or narcissus will give anyone a kick in the pants.   A Christmas cactus shooting forth its myriad of glorious silky blossoms in colors of pink, fuchsia or angelic white can raise the spirits tremendously.   

                The simple addition of a brightly colored rain slicker and matching or contrasting boots will do wonders to lift the spirit, and in the same vein (weather that is) sporting several madly colored umbrellas for protection from the wet and windy coastal weather can brighten everyone’s day, allowing you to visit the local library or an art museum.  Take this time to read and investigate those things that you have been putting off.  Bring home a video, experiment in new recipes.  Redo your walls in new colors and try new textures.  If you have been putting off the challenge of learning a new language, learning to play an instrument, or dabbling in art, now is the time.  You can paint your way to happiness in vivid, living color.

                Light up your life.  There is no time to be sparing the electricity, or put up with dingy surroundings.  Add new lamps, with fresh bright shades to fill your home with light and warmth.  Paint the walls, and decorate with mirrors, try to capture any and all sunlight that may sneak into your home during the long winter months.  Paint the walls, add brightly colored throw rugs, new fun sheets and towels to put some color into your life to make up for the drabness of the never ending downpours.   With all the grey in the outside world, create your own light and inviting environment.    If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, use it and relish that cozy comforting warmth that a fire in the hearth can bring to pamper  yourself and your psyche. 

                Start thinking about next year’s garden, dig into those seed catalogs, plan new designs, picking out plants, colors, and aromas in order to get a head start on the new growing season.   Thinking about what you want to grow in the spring, no matter how grey and gloomy it gets, can bring a lift to the heart, and never lose the sight of the fact that Spring is really just around the corner.