It will be winter before you know it. For many, that means an exciting time of year with friends gathered from near and far, warm nights by the fire and a chance to catch up on some good reading while the snow falls. For others, however, it’s a tough time of year. They suddenly feel blue, negative, and run-down, some of the early symptoms of a form of seasonal depression that occurs in tandem with the darker days of the fall and winter months.
Do you Suffer with Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that can be brought on by long winter nights. Symptoms — including feelings of hopelessness, less energy, and irritability — seem to come on slowly in the late autumn and winter months. Your feelings may be mild or might be early signs of a larger problem.
Tips to Help the Winter Blues
Whether you’re just experiencing a temporary dark mood or are depressed for another reason, the following tips can help you to cope.
Take care of your health. Eat healthy foods, and be sure to get a daily dose of exercise! Studies are showing that exercise, in particular, can be incredibly effective against the symptoms of seasonal depression. If you haven’t created healthier lifestyle habits, now may be a good time to do it, keeping you focused on something positive.
Light Therapy and getting out in the sunshine will also help if your symptoms are brought on by seasonal depression or SAD. There are many light therapy lamps on the market.
More Tips
Fake it until you make it. Sometimes, we have to act the way we want to feel. Withdrawal and avoidance feel good in the short term by eliminating discomforts, but these behaviors keep us from solving the problems that are causing the negative emotions.
Give yourself a break. Forgive yourself of your flaws, and stop trying to be perfect. Many of us feel a lot of pressure based on high expectations of ourselves. Having standards and goals is alright, but we must remember to treat ourselves as kindly as we would a friend when we experience disappointment or make mistakes. Give yourself permission to be an average, flawed, wonderfully imperfect person!
Drive yourself to distraction. Sometimes, what we need is a little perspective. Take yourself out of the center of the universe and go out to see a friend. You might not feel like it, but this is precisely what you need right now! While you’re out, try to really pay attention to others and stay in the moment. Now is also an excellent time to volunteer to help someone in need. Helping to solve other people’s problems may make you feel stronger and maybe even more grateful for all that is right in your life. You can also try a Chi Machine to keep your body moving and to help you relax.
Finally, please know that you’re not alone! Many of us have experienced struggles with seasonal depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. Also, don’t forget to see a doctor if you feel that you can’t manage your depression.