How to Deal with Seasonal Depression

If the mid-winter days are making you feel less happy than usual, you’re not alone. You may be suffering from something known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. SAD is a type of seasonal depression that occurs around the same time every year. These winter blues typically begin in the fall, get worse during the wintertime, and end in spring.

Approximately half a million people in the United States suffer from winter SAD, while 10 to 20% may suffer from a milder form of winter blues.¹ Just like depression, seasonal affective disorder is more likely if your family has a history of mood disorders.

Even though the reasons for feeling this way may not be apparent, there are several ways you can deal with seasonal depression.

1. Spend time outside and soak up the sun.
2. Maintain your daily routine and stick to your schedule.
3. Get in a good workout at the gym, even if it’s only for 30 minutes.
4. Utilize a light box for phototherapy, or bright light therapy.
5. Decrease your sugar intake.
6. Practice meditation and relaxation.
7. Take a winter vacation and go on a trip.
8. Utilize aromatherapy.
9. Consider looking into mental health services from professionals.
10. Be proactive.

If you suffer from the winter blues, the ten ways listed above can help you when it comes time to ease seasonal depression. Remember, the feelings you are feeling are normal, and seasonal affective disorder is treatable.

Contact our clinical team at Counseling of Southwest Florida for more information on easing your seasonal depression.

Sources:

1. Cleveland Clinic, Seasonal Depression

Casey Portner

Casey is the founder and CEO of Portner Counseling Group (PCG), a counseling center in the Fort Lauderdale area, which specializes with issues related to drug and alcohol use. Casey has completed focused course work on the physiological aspects of drug addiction and human psychology, as well as received extensive training on the treatment of co-occurring disorders.