A. Mann for all Seasons
16 Jan 2007
For millions of people, the depths of winter bring on a condition known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), a form of depression caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus due to the shortening of daylight hours and lack of sunlight. I’m fortunate not to be a sufferer of SAD, probably partly due to the fact that my life is split between looking after my 22 month old daughter and writing, both of which allow me to venture out and catch what daylight and sunshine there is at this time of year in the northern hemisphere. That said, I have become aware of a more general dis-ease this year, which I have never experienced before, an ironic LOSAD (Lack of Season Affective Disorder). I’ve yet to have need of my winter coat, never woken to so much as a frost that required me to scrape the windscreen of my car, let alone seen a covering of snow or the local pond over-ice. Much as I long for the first flowers of Spring, I want them in Spring not mid-January! I genuinely feel uneasy about the lack of winter season here in the UK – a deep down, at-the-core-of-my-being dis-ease. I feel out of step with nature, because nature appears to be out of step with itself. And that has led to what I can only describe as a spiritual disequilibrium within me. This week, the paperback edition of the Stern Report: The Economics of Climate Change is released. I’ll no doubt get around to reading this important report. But what about the affects of climate change on the economy of the soul? I need the natural seasons as much, if not more, than I need the seasons of Advent and Easter. Come ghost of Vaughn Monroe, Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow.
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Comment by Helen
1.47 pm on 16 Jan 2007
I have to say, I’m happy that it hasn’t been cold in Chicagoland because when it gets cold here it gets verrryyyy cold.
I was happy that the snow predicted yesterday and the day before mostly fell as rain because earlier warm weather meant the lake was warm and kept the air above freezing.
Ok, ok, I admit it though – the dusting of snow that fell yesterday and lightly coated the trees did look pretty!
Thanks for your comments, Alan. I think it’s interesting that these things do affect us…they are part of the rhythm of our lives. The winter I lived in California I used to route my walks to include the one block with deciduous trees, during autumn. It was my first autumn out of England and that year I found out that I cared about the signs of autumn and missed having them all around me in abundance. (I think I was ok without snow for a year, though)
I think memories have a lot to do with how the seasons affect us too. Each time the season changes it seems to bring back memories of important events in my life from that season. Or the moods from way back like the anticipation of “It’s time to go back to school”. (The good feelings before the reality of being back set in :-))
Comment by Bryan Riley
2.12 pm on 16 Jan 2007
It is sad to think that we are poor stewards of this earth. I will say, like Helen, though, after having spent 4 months in Hawaii this past year I am much appreciative of warm weather. Four seasons are nice but being able to really enjoy the out of doors year round in flip flops may be even nicer.
Comment by Paul
2.16 pm on 16 Jan 2007
yes life in flip flops all year round sounds good Bryan (2) my worry is at some point i’d have trade them in for flippers… :)
Comment by D.G. Hollums
3.20 pm on 16 Jan 2007
Amen! to all seasons!!! i grew up in West TX, where snow was rare…and if we got any kind of precip in the winter it was an inch or two of ice! And now I live in Cincy, OH…and they tell me all the time how cold it is and how much snow they get…and how much snow have we seen this year? none! So amen to the desire for white fluffy frozen flakes! I have never gotten to play in snow before and I long for it! Thank you for putting to words what I have been feeling!
Comment by alex
8.22 pm on 16 Jan 2007
I appreciate your point of view, but I have to admit that, as a probable sufferer from SAD, I definitely feel healthier now than I usually do at this time of year.
Though I have profound respect for the spinning thing, the green agenda can be a little overbearing at times. It is ok not to believe that Global warming is the biggest threat to humanity.
Comment by Helen
8.28 pm on 16 Jan 2007
Isn’t this mild weather mostly due to El Nino, not global warming?
Comment by Alan Mann
8.37 pm on 16 Jan 2007
Guys,
Thanks for taking part.
Even though I mentioned it, my post wasn’t supposed to be about generating discussion about global warning per se, but simply about the need for rhythms of life and how easily these can be upset.
Alex, I agree, the green agenda can sometimes take our eye off issues which are just as important and just as pressing. And I’m pleased that our less than wintery winter has gifted you healthier times.
Comment by molly
11.21 pm on 16 Jan 2007
I’m in Alaska, where winter is decidely DARK, and I’ve discovered a few tricks for people who have SAD:
1.) SAD lights. Even if you just put full-spectrum light bulbs in the main areas of your home, that really helps. But a SAD light is something I turn on every morning when I wake up for about 15-25 minutes and WHAT a difference!
2.) Activity/Excercise. Moving the muscles releases the bound up seratonin, or something like that…I can’t remember the exact scientific explanation, but it really really helps. It has to be active—not like a walk or something, though that will help a bit, but the more active the better. It can be hard to get active excercise with young children around, but even a couple times a week helps.
Now, I need to move to Hawaii or something so I can experience your latest dis-ease (lol), LACK of SAD. :) Okay, back to my -5 F day…
Comment by graham
1.24 am on 17 Jan 2007
I so know what you mean when you write about needing the Seasons. My brother-in-law is very involved with the Northumbria Community and I have learn so much from him in this regard.
(If it’s any consolation, my kids went to Lapland before Christmas and it was colder here than there!)
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