Winter Hibernation

Last Thursday, I heard an interview on NPR's "Talk of the Nation" with Boston Globe columnist James Carroll. They were discussing his take on the winter solstice. Since the winter months bring longer periods of darkness and colder weather, this has often been a time when people report feelings of depression and anxiety. Carroll suggests that the effects of the coming winter months may be especially profound this year in the midst of national economic turmoil and the impending change in the presidency. Carroll is not a psychologist, but his observations make logical sense. He is observing how the state of a nation can effect the well-being of its citizens. This may seem obvious, but I think it is often overlooked in the course of our everyday lives.
Within their discussion, the interviewer referenced a psychological disorder called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that is often associated with the winter months. The DSM-IV (Diagnostic Systems Manual, a manual used to diagnosis psychological disorders) defines SAD as a sub-type of mood-disorder that has recurring seasonal patterns, with depression occurring most often in the winter and going into remission by mid spring or early summer, though it can also happen in reverse. Persons with SAD often find relief by traveling to areas near the equator during colder winter months. This clinical disorder is an extreme example, but an example nonetheless, of the ways in which our physical environment can have an affect on our lives.
The interview with Carroll included a discussion with a caller who offered her take on the pervasiveness of depression during these months. She suggested that humans, as a species, have created a societal structure that contributes to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. We pack our schedules full with "things-to-do" and leave little down time to reflect on what we've done. During the winter months, she suggests, our bodies physiologically want to rest, or hibernate, but instead we push through and deny ourselves any breaks, which leaves us tired and anxious. As I listened to her interpretation I felt somewhat relieved. I know that her incite isn't backed by much scientific data, but I still like this idea as a partial explanation for the struggle I feel this winter.
I have fond memories of snuggling for days under blankets, and making a fire during the winters of my past, but this winter has been a continuation of every other day. I miss winter break during the school year, and the relief after the fall semester. But now, my daily activities require me to stay busy throughout the year and are directly affected by both the weather and the national economic climate. This makes the outlook of the coming months even more bleak. So, if I am to survive the winter, even with minimal hibernation, I suppose the logical action would be to vacation in a warmer climate, or turn up the heat, or simply take it easy and enjoy a fire some evenings. I guess we'll see...