How to Beat Seasonal Depression
As the days become shorter, the sky gets darker and the weather gets cold, many will experience sadness. That sadness may not seem normal, but we promise it happens more than you think. This feeling is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or better known as seasonal depression. The Cleveland Clinic defines seasonal depression as “a type of depression that’s triggered by a change in seasons, usually when fall starts.” Some common symptoms of SAD are anxiety, social withdrawal and isolation, fatigue or low energy, weight gain, headaches, and inability to focus or concentrate. Other symptoms of SAD are also similar to other mental health diagnoses. The disorder is often overlooked and not talked about enough. So, let’s talk about it!
Here are some helpful facts about seasonal depression and ways to beat it.
Quick Facts:
Seasonal depression gets worse in late fall or early winter before typically going away in the months of spring and summer.
About 5% of adults in the U.S. experience seasonal depression.
Women get affected by the disorder more than men— very interesting.
There are two types: summer depression and winter depression. Summer depression is much less common.
There is not one clear cause of seasonal depression. However, lack of sunlight is a major player.
SAD is a recent diagnosis, as it was identified and diagnosed in the 1980s.
Possible Solutions:
Talk to your doctor → Since SAD is a form of depression, talk to a medical professional or a therapist to figure out what the best way to cure this disorder is. It varies for different types of people. Professionals can perform a mental health exam and evaluate your medical history as needed.
Prepare early → As the transition to fall and winter begins, prepare yourself beforehand. By participating in fun seasonal activities with friends and family, you are boosting your mood. Take part in the Halloween and holiday season!
Exposure to sunlight → Lack of sunlight is what causes SAD the most. Spend time outside or near a window so you can relieve symptoms and get some Vitamin D!
Light Therapy → This sounds crazy, but stick with us. If you cannot go outside and get natural sunlight, then this is for you. Light therapy is where you spend a specific amount of time exposing your face or body to a light box. It has shown great results and helps ease SAD symptoms.
Exercise → Outdoor exercise is a great way to ease SAD. It gets you moving and forgetting about the cold weather. It is proven that sticking to a schedule can help you stay on track. Get moving!
Take a Vacation → You deserve a vacation or “staycation”. During the winter, taking a vacation to a warmer climate of your choice will definitely help. If you cannot vacation, then take a staycation at home! Look around your own community and make it a vacation! You deserve it.
We hope these tips and solutions will help alleviate your seasonal sadness. Spring and summer will be here soon. For now, embrace Hot Girl Fall and Winter! You might end up loving it.