Do you get Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.)?
Does staring down the barrel of a long winter fill you with dread? It’s completely normal to find the darker evenings and colder days less appealing. For many, winter can take a toll on mental health, as going out and staying active becomes more challenging. A change in mood from the adjustment in seasons can be a symptom of S.A.D.- Seasonal Affective Disorder – a condition related to the season, which causes a type of depression.
This is far more common than you might think; in fact, it has affected over 35% of the UK population! As this number grows, it’s essential to recognise the signs and develop strategies to manage it better.
But how can you know if what you’re feeling is Seasonal Affective Disorder, you ask? Understandably, this can be tricky and not always linear. There are, however, some signs you can look for to help distinguish the root problem and identify if you are suffering from S.A.D. Fortunately, I will explore these topics in this blog and provide you with ways to cope with your feelings.
The first sign we’re going to look at is the feeling of low moods or sadness as the days are shorter and getting darker. The change in environment can leave you feeling unmotivated and stuck, especially as getting out of the house becomes increasingly harder. This feeling may last longer than usual and affect your normal routine.
Additionally, in correlation to this, you may also find it a struggle to put yourself in social situations. This could involve meeting up with friends or family, going out for food or attending events. Consequently, this could result in staying indoors for long periods of time and not interacting with others.
Furthermore, experiencing a decrease in energy and constant tiredness could also be an indication of S.A.D. Lethargy can play a big part in depression as it makes it increasingly difficult to remove yourself from the negative environment. Often, this leads to spending more time sleeping than usual and getting out of bed is challenging.
Another side effect of S.A.D. is an increase in appetite, especially for sugary foods. Experiencing comfort in eating is common; however, an excessively unhealthy diet that involves overindulging in one sitting can be a cause of depression.
Mainly, the biggest sign to look for with S.A.D. is if your mood improves in the spring. When you start to see more daylight and the weather improves, does your mental health too? This, therefore, gives us a clear insight into the problem if this is the case.
So, we’ve now established some signs to look out for when determining whether you’re experiencing S.A.D., but what are some coping mechanisms you can use to help? Here’s a list of known remedies you can use this winter to fight against seasonal depression:
- Increase your exposure to light
As mentioned, it can often be difficult in the darker months to get out and about, meaning vital light exposure is minimised. However, it’s important you put a priority on getting daylight, even using lunch breaks to leave the house, or simply opening your curtains can make a big difference to your mental health.
- Keep a balanced diet
Watching what you eat and ensuring you’re getting the right nutrition allows your body to function properly and be fuelled correctly. The high sugar foods you might want can affect your energy levels and make you feel worse, so keeping these to a minimum is essential.
- Stay active
Making sure you exercise is another great way of fighting back against S.A.D. Indoor gyms or classes can be used at all times of the day, and breaks at work are great times to go for a walk. Even a small amount of movement can dramatically improve your mood and is worth doing!
- Socialise
I understand that when feeling emotions such as low moods or sadness, seeing friends or family may be hard. However, talking openly with them about your situation can be a way of helping alleviate stress and creating a support network. A problem shared is a problem halved.
Finally, if you feel your problems can’t be fixed or you’re struggling to implement these tips, you may require professional assistance. Here at Insight Counselling, I am always available to offer a helping hand. With years of experience, I’m trained to explore more about your personal circumstances and figure out the best solution for you.
If you would like to reach out and learn more about our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Many clients initially reach out via text on 07915246898 or email contact@insightguiseley.co.uk to simply express that they are seeking counselling for themselves or someone else. On the other hand, visit our page to put in an enquiry form.