Winter in the Mountain West is not for the faint of heart
Once the excitement of the holiday season fizzles out, the reality of a long winter settles in—leaving Utahns with months of shorter days and freezing temperatures to look forward to. It’s enough to dampen anyone’s spirit!
However, those winter doldrums can be more than just the blues for some people. For those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), these winter mood changes are more serious and can have a devastating impact on everyday life.
Luckily for those in the Beehive State, the region around St. George offers an escape from winter just a few hours drive away.
Know the facts about seasonal depression
About 5% of adults in the U.S. experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, according to the American Psychiatric Association. That’s more than 10 million adults dealing with some level of depression for a large portion of the year.
In most cases, symptoms begin in late fall or early winter, then dissipate in spring or early summer. January and February are typically the most difficult months.
People with SAD experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are a few key symptoms to watch out for. These include:
- Sadness, feeling depressed most of the day, almost every day.
- Anxiety.
- Extreme fatigue and lack of energy.
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Feeling irritated or agitated.
- Loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities, including withdrawing from social activities.
- Sleeping problems (usually oversleeping).
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
The good news is, there are many treatments proven to help combat Season Affective Disorder.
Recommended treatments include light therapy, medication, exercise, psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of those.
Here are a few of those treatments explained further:
Sunlight is key
Light therapy involves sitting near a special light box so you are exposed to bright light within an hour of waking up each day.
According to the Mayo Clinic, light therapy mimics natural outdoor light and appears to cause a change in brain chemical that are linked to mood. Light thereapy has been proven as an extremely effective treatment.
“For both seasonal and nonseasonal depression, the effectiveness of light therapy is approximately the same as antidepressant medications, or popular forms of psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy,” says Dr. Richard S. Schwartz, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
Of course, getting outside in natural sunlight is even better!
Physical activity and time in nature help too
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best! If you’re suffering from SAD, spend time outside as often and as early as possible.
Exposure to natural sunlight during the day can help regulate your circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep at night.
Take a walk, play in the snow with your kids, or anything else that gets you outdoors. Even on cold or cloudy days, outdoor light can help.
Exercise can also be an important tool in your arsenal, since exercise relieves stress and anxiety. With the combined power of time spent in nature and exercise, you can see huge improvements in your sleep and mood.
If you’re still struggling despite all these interventions, perhaps the solution is escaping the cold rather than enduring it! A break from harsh winter climates isn’t just a luxury—it can be a lifeline for those battling seasonal depression.
Your own winter escape is closer than you think
What if you could escape to your very own vacation home all winter long? With Fraxioned, it’s not a pipe dream—and it’s more affordable than you may think. Picture weekends (or weeks!) spent in sunny St. George, just a few hours away.
The weather in St. George is an attraction all on its own, with an average of 300 days of sunshine per year.
In January and February—the two toughest months for those suffering from SAD—the average daily high temperatures are 53 and 60, respectively.
Beat seasonal depression with daily hiking, mountain biking, or walking the neighborhood paths. Whatever you do, you’ll be able to get outside and enjoy some much-needed vitamin D. Then at the end of the day, head home to your very own home rather than a hotel or Airbnb.
Here’s how it works: Fractional ownership lets you enjoy all the perks of a vacation property without the full financial commitment. Instead of purchasing an entire home, you share the costs and benefits with other owners.
For example, owning one-eighth of a property means you get 44 days, or about six weeks, of blissful relaxation in St. George annually.
On top of that, you don’t have to worry about the burden of full ownership because Fraxioned takes care of all the maintenance and management needs. They do all the hard work, while you maximize your vacation time.
Visit fraxioned.com to learn more about fractional ownership and see available listings.
If you feel your depression is severe or if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, consult a physician immediately or seek help at the closest emergency room. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org.
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