The truth is,
nurses are just as prone to the wintertime blues as anybody else, even if (or perhaps especially because) the majority of that time is spent in the hospital. That’s why in this week’s episode of “Ask Nurse Alice” on ScrubsBeat, Nurse Alice is not only issuing a gentle reminder, she’s also gathering ideas from your fellow nurses to help combat seasonal depression.
Which begs the question: What do you do to keep your spirits high when the days are short on sunlight but feelin’ extra long for you?
I realized I had SADD when I was working as a Resident Care Manager in an ICF. I didn’t realize I had it until I found myself bawling for no apparent reason. Suddenly I remembered that I had been going to work in the dark, coming home in the dark, and working inside where very little light came – and my office had NO outside light. My solution: change jobs, and go back to doing the Home Health nursing work I loved – and partly loved because I am outside in the fresh air and LIGHT!!!
I exercise, eat healthy and take small trips out of town occasionally. Also finding it important to have a spiritual life.