4 Ways To Combat Seasonal Depression
The colder months often mark that the year is coming to an end, and we should all end it with warmth and lots of food and festivities. However, this is not the case for a lot of people. If you find yourself feeling depressed or lonely just after all the leaves have fallen or just before the first snowfall of the year, you’re not alone. This feeling of loneliness that somehow coincided with the change in season affects millions of people all over the world. This sudden feeling of loneliness is called Seasonal Depression.
What Is Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal Depression, also sometimes referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can happen to about 3% of the general population. In the US alone, about 3% of the population (roughly 980,000 people) have Seasonal Depression. The most difficult months for people with Seasonal Depression in the United States tend to be January and February. In those who have this condition, about 40% of them continue to have this problem until summer - which is a long time.
Some of the symptoms of Seasonal Depression include:
- Mood changes
- Symptoms like depression
- Loss of interest in activities that you once loved
- Carbohydrate craving
- Increased fatigue and sleep hours
- Too much movement or restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling guilty or that the world is too harsh
4 Ways To Help Fight Seasonal Depression
If you think you have Seasonal Depression or you’re looking for ways to avoid it, we made a list of the four things you can do to help combat this lonely mental condition.
1. Focus on a Hobby
One of the many causes of Seasonal Depression is having too much free time. The winter months are usually when a lot of people are on vacation or pausing the usual work routine in favor of holiday activities, and these can lead to someone feeling aimless with nothing else to do outside of work.
If you find yourself stuck with too much free time, consider picking up a hobby. Anything will do, whether it’s building a 1000-piece puzzle or learning a few card tricks to impress your friends at work. Even meditating can help.
2. Take Anti-stress Supplements
Certain supplements can help people who are affected by Seasonal Depression. This is because these stress management supplements make use of ingredients that naturally promote a positive mindset, improve sleep quality, and help people feel calm and not overthink anything.
For stress management, we have formulated Positelle and Serenelle, two amazing supplements that include unique ingredients that help users just be in a better mindset as well as have a more positive outlook in life.
3. Have a Goal for The Winter Days
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you’re stuck inside the house or your office building for the next two or three months. This can be an amazing opportunity to set some easy goals for yourself, whether it’s to not put-on weight during the holidays or simply just finish all the books you bought this year.
It’s all about distractions, so why not distract yourself with something productive or healthy?
4. Get More Sunlight
Science has stated that sunlight helps the brain produce chemicals that keep us happy and be in a better mood. Even if there isn’t that much sun, just go outside and bask in whatever amount of daylight you can get. This way, you will be stimulating your brain’s “happy hormones,” just before you start your day.
Takeaway…
Seasonal Depression can happen to anyone, and it can happen unexpectedly. If you struggle with this, picking up a hobby, going outside, and taking the right type of supplements can help get you through all of this.