How to Manage Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depression (or seasonal affective disorder) is a type of depression triggered by a change in seasons, usually when fall starts. It can have a strong effect on your daily life, causing low moods and a lack of interest in life.
It’s unclear why some people are more affected by seasonal depression, but some experts think that changes in the seasons disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, the 24-hour clock that regulates how we function during sleeping and waking hours. Other experts believe that the changing seasons disrupt hormones, such as serotonin and melatonin, which regulate sleep, mood, and feelings of well-being.
Everyone is different, but some of the signs of seasonal depression are:
Feelings of depression that occur when the seasons change
Having tiredness or low energy
Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
Changes in appetite or weight gain
Sleeping too much
Keep reading for some tips on battling seasonal depression…
Surround Yourself In Light
When days get shorter and colder during the winter months, being surrounded by light can have a positive effect on your mood! Some ways to do this are to keep the lights on, get outside in the sunshine, light candles around the house, or sit by the fireplace.
Eat The Right Foods
Junk food can increase seasonal depression symptoms, so try to eat serotonin-rich food and avoid too much caffeine! Some foods you can include in your diet are salmon, berries, and whole-grain bread.
Continue Your Physical Activity
Don't let the colder season prevent you from participating in physical activity! There are plenty of ways to stay active indoors - join a gym, do yoga, attend a dance class, or swim laps at an indoor pool.
Take A Vacation
If possible, consider taking a trip to a sunny destination to boost your mood! Whether you go to a tropical paradise or a local staycation, any change of scenery can help you rest and reset.
Speak To A Professional
In many cases, speaking to a professional may be necessary to pull you out of your seasonal depression. Your mental health professional can teach you coping skills and strategies to battle your seasonal depression.
We hope you find these tips helpful when managing your seasonal depression! If you or a loved one needs professional help, visit our Resources page.
