With the weather starting to get colder, and the days becoming shorter, it may be starting to affect your mood. Seasonal Depression, also referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons.
It is known to begin in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. The theory behind it is that a lack of sunlight can stop a part of your brain called the hypothalamus from working properly. I know I definitely feel a shift in my mood once the temperature starts to drop, and it can be really hard for me to stay motivated and upbeat. Although some days are harder than others, I have definitely picked up a few habits that help me stay positive and productive throughout the months when I just want to lay in bed.
Stay Active. No matter the time of year, exercise and keeping your body moving have so many positive effects on our mental health. Exercising can help alleviate symptoms of SAD or any kind of depression. Even if you can’t get outside, try to get to an indoor gym and break a sweat.
Get Enough Vitamin D. A vitamin D deficiency can be a risk factor for depression. Although it has not been proven that taking vitamin d supplements can relieve symptoms of SAD, getting enough sunlight throughout the day and even incorporating foods that are rich in vitamin d can help.
Stick to a schedule. Living with SAD can make it very difficult for you to fall asleep at night and even wake up in the morning. If you make sure to maintain a regular and even stricter schedule through the winter months, it can help with your sleeping patterns which alone relieves some of these depressive symptoms.
Consider Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for a therapeutic purpose. Essential oils can lessen symptoms of depression and other psychological issues like anxiety and sleep problems. The oils could potentially have an effect on the area of your brain that is responsible for controlling your mood. The use of essential oils is an option for an easy but effective way to suppress some of these depressive symptoms.
Talk with your Doctor. Because SAD is a form of depression, it needs to be diagnosed by a mental health professional. If you are experiencing SAD, speaking with a mental health professional can help more than you may think. Professionals can even prescribe you medication to take from autumn until spring. I know it can be especially hard to get out of bed and keep yourself productive during the hard months of winter, but there are definitely ways to help make it a little more doable. SAD is something a lot of people suffer from, and a lot of individuals have trouble overcoming it. Practicing some of these tips can help keep you upbeat and motivated even on the days when it’s a little harder.