S.A.D. doesn’t have to be: Art & Seasonal Depression

Posted on: November 12th, 2018 by Art Leaders No Comments

Art & Seasonal Depression

Name: Art Leaders Gallery
Price range: $$$

We Michiganders are well versed in seasonal depression, the winter blues, or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). As the days get shorter, darker, and colder – we do our best to keep our energy levels up, but we would be lying if we said it didn’t get to us sometimes. Holiday spirit aside, it seems there really isn’t much to look forward to other than cold & snow for the next several months. We are always searching for ways to brighten our days this winter. What better way to fight the grayness than with a colorful masterpiece in your home!

We at Art Leaders Gallery are adamant about selecting artwork that makes you feel something! Art has long been known to greatly affect the moods of we humans (cave art on!) Art Therapy has been used widely in the last century or so; a form of psychotherapy involving the encouragement of free self-expression through painting, drawing, or modeling, used as a remedial activity or an aid to diagnosis.

While we aren’t necessarily saying you need to take up painting this winter (though we encourage you to try!) It might be time to look at your indoor space and think about ways to brighten it up. Your home is where you will undoubtedly spend 80% of your free time. When the temperatures start getting below a certain point you may even spend more time at home. Why not make your home your own oasis from the dreary darkness?

Seasonal Affective Disorder

If you are not familiar, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs at the same time each year, usually in winter. Otherwise known as seasonal depression, SAD can affect your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels. This can affect your relationships, social life, work, school, and your overall sense of self-worth. You may feel like a completely different person to who you are in the summer: hopeless, sad, tense, stressed, no interest in friends or activities you normally love.

SAD usually begins in fall or winter when the days become shorter and remains until the brighter days of spring or early summer. SAD affects about 1% to 2% of the population, particularly women and young people, while a milder form of winter blues may affect as many 10 to 20 percent of people. Since the amount of winter daylight you receive lessens the farther you are from the equator, SAD is most common in people who live 30+ degrees latitude north or south. The good news is that SAD is treatable. Let us help by inspiring you with beautiful vibrant art!