Six Ways to Combat Seasonal Depression
With the beginning of Fall and the cooler months ahead, many of us also dread the uptick in depression that accompanies this season.
Seasonal depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder - SAD) symptoms include feelings of sadness, lack of energy, loss of interest in usual activities, oversleeping and weight gain. This form of depression can affect your daily life, including how you feel and think. Some people also experience SAD in the summer, but we typically see it more in the winter months.
With the change in the biological clock experiencing less sunlight, the shift in sleep and hormones can have an impact that can be hard to adjust to.
The reduced sunlight during this period can create less serotonin which contributes to feelings of happiness and lead to depression.
Unfortunately, women are at a higher risk for SAD as well as people who already have another mood disorder.
To help combat the symptoms of seasonal depression, talk therapy can help.
During therapy, self-care is explored and prioritized.
This Fall and Winter, kick SAD to the curb by:
- Exercising regularly
- Stay socially connected
- Maintain a consistent schedule
- Plan for activities to stay accountable and connected
- Eat a balanced diet and consider vitamin D intake
- Increase sunlight exposure
If you’d like to do a deep dive in preventing or reducing seasonal depression in your life, therapy can be a great place to collaborate with a caring professional who understands that you want the best for yourself and your life.