Do you feel a little down during the winter? Do you feel like you can’t get out of bed, or that everything is an effort? You may be experiencing seasonal depression, which is also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
This is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. It is more common in people who live in colder climates, where there is less sunlight during the winter months.
In this blog post, we will discuss what seasonal depression is, its symptoms, and what you can do about it.
Symptoms of seasonal depression
Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder may include:
- feeling down or sad most of the time
- lack of energy or motivation
- problems sleeping, such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness
- changes in appetite, such as overeating or not wanting to eat at all
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt
- thoughts of suicide
What can you do about seasonal affective disorder?
There are a number of things that you can do to help manage symptoms of seasonal depression. Some strategies include:
- getting regular exercise, even if it’s just a walk outside in the sun
- eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- spending time outdoors, especially in natural sunlight
- using light therapy, which involves sitting near a special light box for a certain amount of time each day
- taking antidepressant medications, if recommended by your doctor
If you are experiencing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional. They can provide you with more information about the condition and recommend treatment options that may be right for you. With the proper care, it is possible to manage symptoms of seasonal depression and live a happy and productive life, whatever the season or the weather.
Important information for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please act immediately. Contact a mental health professional or call a suicide hotline in your area.
In the United States, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources.
You can call the Lifeline at +1 800 273 8255. They also have a chat function on their website that you can use if you do not feel like talking.
In Canada, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention provides resources and support to those affected by suicide.
In the United Kingdom you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline or call them on 0800 689 5652.
If you are in another country, please visit this page for a list of international suicide hotlines.
For Further Reading
The following posts will be useful if you or someone you love is struggling with Depression.
- Freezing out depression – the psychological benefits of a cold shower
- Bright Light Therapy – a promising cure for depression
- Smiling Depression: what you need to know about this serious condition
- New Study shows how Pokemon GO could help improve Depression
- Anxiety vs. Depression: How to Tell the Difference and Get Help
- Is Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation effective in reducing depression symptoms?
- Depression Room Cleaning: The New Trend on TikTok that boosts our Mental Health
- Seasonal Depression: What Is It, Symptoms, and What To Do About It
- Dance and movement therapy holds promise for treating anxiety and depression
- The Devastating Impact of Smoking on Your Mental Health
- Vitamin D Supplements Shown to Alleviate Depression in Adults
- The use of genetic testing to help patients with acute depression
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