>Seasonal Mood Guide
Did you know that the change in seasons can affect your mood? For some people, the winter blues can be a real issue. This is known as seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of seasonal depression and what you can do to manage them. We will also provide a guide for staying well during the winter months.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
With fewer hours in the day and colder weather coming, some people will start to feel more solemn. This is known as Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that occurs at the same time each year. It usually occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight and colder weather. SAD affects about 1 in every 20 people in the United States.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
The symptoms of SAD are very similar to other types of depression. They can include:
- Feeling sad or blue
- Having trouble sleeping
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Feeling tired or sluggish
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite
- Weight gain or loss
Risk Factors of SAD
There are some factors that may increase your risk of seasonal affective Disorder such as the following:
- Family History of SAD
- Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder or Depression
- Living farther from the equator
- Low level of Vitamin D
4 Ways to Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Spend more time outside: Spending time outside to get sunlight is a great way to combat seasonal depression. It helps even on overcast days!
- Exercise daily: Exercising daily is a great way to boost your serotonin which can improve mood.
- Take vitamin D supplements or eat foods rich in vitamin D: Taking vitamin D or eating foods rich in vitamin D can help offset the lack of vitamin d you get during the winter and fall months.
- Spend time with friends and family: Spending time with friends and family can be a great mood booster and help curb any loneliness that could occur during the season.
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