“SAD is a subtype of clinical depression, and diagnosis relies on meeting the criteria for this,” Kari Lebowitz, a “winter psychology mindset” expert, told The Guardian.
And still, “people have this expectation that they’ll have the same energy, the same interests, the same productivity year-round,” she exclaimed.
Short of jetting off to sunnier climes, try leaning into the whole vibe, the winter whisperer suggested.
Take this as a note from body and mind, “telling you to slow down, rest more, [and] socialize in a low-key way,” she said.
The advice appeared as part of a lengthy guide The Guardian published on how to survive the coming season.
It’s dark now.
Greetings from November, that dreaded month when the clocks go back, the sun begins to set before you’ve finished your lunch, and you begin telling everyone you can find that you’re suffering from “seasonal affective disorder.”. “”.
One mental health expert says, “Not so fast.” She reminds those of us who might have forgotten that SAD isn’t something you can simply self-diagnose and start acting like a personality between now and the first signs of spring.
According to “winter psychology mindset” specialist Kari Lebowitz, “SAD is a subtype of clinical depression, and diagnosis depends on meeting the criteria for this,” she told The Guardian.
According to the psychologist and author of How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days, “people fall into two categories: those who feel more depressed in the winter, with worse mood in response to the lack of daylight; and those who are having a very normal, healthy response to a change in daylight but doesn’t view it that way.”.
Reacting to the “10-hour difference in the amount of daylight between the summer solstice and the winter solstice” by feeling sluggish and antisocial, or at least less social than you typically might, is quite normal and not strange, according to Lebowitz.
Even so, she said, “people expect that they’ll be the same year-round in terms of energy, interests, and productivity.”.
In lieu of traveling to more sunny places, the winter whisperer advised leaning into the overall atmosphere.
Consider this a message from your body and mind to “slow down, rest more, [and] socialize in a low-key way,” she said.
If you don’t feel like going out on the town this time of year, you could invite friends over for movies and comfort food instead.
“Simply enjoy staying in,” she advised.
And instead of concentrating on how awful the weather is, she advised turning off the weather apps and beginning to enjoy the times “when the clouds part and you get that beautiful golden winter light.”.
The advice was included in a long guide on surviving the upcoming season that was published by The Guardian.
