Tips To Avoid Seasonal Depression

Many people throughout the United States and throughout the world experience a condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is more famously known as seasonal depression. Mrs. Thompson, a counselor here at Cathedral, says, “Seasonal affective disorder [occurs] when people experience mood and behavior changes when the season changes.” Most commonly, people become depressed in the fall and winter, then start to feel better during spring and summer.

According to Mayo Clinic, if you do have seasonal affective disorder, you might be experiencing symptoms such as feeling sad or down throughout the day, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, having low energy, overeating, gaining weight, feeling worthless, having trouble sleeping or sleeping in too much, and having thoughts of not wanting to live anymore. If you are having thoughts of wanting to not live or are feeling depressed, make sure to reach out to a trusted adult or call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.

There are many ways to feel less down during the fall and winter months such as activity and getting more sunlight.

#1: Get Outside

During the fall and winter, it is very important to get outside whether that be for a walk, a run, or even just sitting outside. Getting vitamin D and fresh air is very important to avoiding seasonal depression. When you get sunlight it helps boost your mood and helps you feel more awake. It is especially important to get outside once Daylight Savings Time ends. Make sure to get outside even if it might be hard during the short window of sunlight. Mrs. Thompson said that the length of exposure to sunlight plays an important factor in developing SAD.

#2: Exercise

According to Piedmont exercise helps you to feel better because it increases dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that increases feelings of pleasure and happiness. To stay active you can take a walk outside or go to the gym. Try to aim to exercise outside even if it might be harder in the cold weather. If you can’t get outside try at-home workouts or go to the gym.

#3: Keep a Balanced Diet

Keeping a balanced diet can help them feel more like themselves. When people start to feel down they tend to lean towards carbs and sugary foods. Make sure that even if you are feeling down, you always fuel your body in the right way. When you fuel your body with healthy foods it helps your body become more energized, stay focused, and happier.

#4: Spend Time With Loved Ones

If you are feeling down make sure to talk to someone you can trust. Spending time with people who cheer you up can help you feel happier and less stressed and sad. When you talk to people you are comfortable with it can help you open up more about how you are feeling. Talking about how you feel helps you feel better and can help you feel less sad. Mrs. Thompson commented that social connections help stimulate a healthy outlook on life.

There are many ways to help or even avoid seasonal affective disorder. Always make sure that, if you feel depressed, you talk to a trusted adult.