When Winter Crept In: My Personal Brush with Seasonal Affective Disorder – and How IASIS MCN Helped
I recently noticed how off I was feeling. It crept up so slowly I didn’t even recognize it at first – more difficulty waking up and getting out of bed, a dip in productivity, a lack of interest in things I normally enjoy, and a steady drift toward the sofa, watching more and more reality shows (yes… Love Is Blind and Korean dramas pulled me right in).
And then it hit me.
The time changed. The days became darker. The weather turned gray and rainy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
I couldn’t believe it took me this long to see it. But the moment I recognized it – and even more so, the moment the fog lifted – you’re seeing the proof: I’m writing again.
And yes, I’m giving the credit to IASIS Micro Current Neurofeedback (IASIS MCN) sessions, because that’s the only thing I’ve done differently this week. The effect can be that quick. Sometimes a gentle reboot is exactly what the brain needs to get back on track.
What surprised me most is that I missed the signs. As a retired nurse – and someone who lived in Northern Europe for 15 years – I knew the pattern well. Seasonal Affective Disorder was something we actively prepared for. After moving back to Texas, I guess I never expected it to happen here in the “sunny state.”
But yes… it absolutely can. And it did.
- In early October, sun lamps came out of the closet and became part of my morning routine: 20 minutes of artificial “sunshine” with my coffee.
- Vitamin D supplements went up.
- Daily outdoor walks became non-negotiable. As the Norwegians say, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” My dog even had a sweater.
- And when all else failed, antidepressants were often a much-needed lifeline – helpful, but never a cure.
So, when I suddenly slid into that familiar winter heaviness here in Texas, it shouldn’t have been surprising. And yet… it was.
- Reduced sunlightaffects serotonin levels, which impacts mood.
- It disrupts the circadian rhythm, making sleep and energy regulation more difficult.
- Lower light exposure can reduce the body’s melatoninstability.
- Many people also face significantly lower Vitamin D levelsin winter, which is linked to mood regulation.
Symptoms often include fatigue, oversleeping, low motivation, sugar cravings, difficulty focusing, and a persistent “winter fog.”
According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 5% of adults in the United States experience Seasonal Affective Disorder each year, with symptoms lasting about 40% of the year. Women are four times more likely to be affected than men, and the rates increase the farther you live from the equator. You can read more about these findings here: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Traditional treatments include light therapy, vitamin D supplementation, exercise, antidepressants, and lifestyle changes—all of which can help but often require significant time, consistency, or trial and error.
- Improve regulation of the autonomic nervous system
- Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Support healthier sleep patterns
- Enhance emotional resilience and cognitive clarity
- “Unstick” brainwave patterns that keep people trapped in low-mood loops
And the most encouraging part?
People often feel a shift within 1–3 sessions. For me, that was exactly the case. Once my brain received that gentle nudge, the heaviness lifted and I felt like myself again.
IASIS MCN doesn’t force a temporary mood boost—it helps your brain return to the balanced, healthy patterns it’s meant to have. Over time, these changes become sustainable.
But your brain doesn’t have to stay stuck.
If you’re curious about how IASIS Micro Current Neurofeedback might help you feel clearer, lighter, and more like yourself again, reach out to me at Galenoia Brain Wellness in Huntsville, Texas.
Because honestly – how would it feel if the sun shone a little brighter tomorrow?
start your healing journey