Dull December

As the leaves fall, the snow starts to brew, and the days get darker earlier, those who struggle with seasonal affective disorder, also known as seasonal depression, are trying to stay afloat. Seasonal affective disorder is similar to depression in many ways as symptoms can include sleeping or eating too much, withdrawing from social activities, feeling hopeless or worthless and not having energy to focus on tasks. According to the American Heart Association, about 10% of people living in the northernmost latitudes, especially women, struggle with seasonal affective disorder.

Unliked normal depression, the trigger for seasonal depression is known as it is because of the limited exposure to the sun. This can be extremely helpful for individuals to recognize symptoms and try to implement treatment. Some treatments include taking antidepressants during the winter months. However, there are other methofs of treatment as well. Scientists have introduced the concept of light therapy which is a way to expose individuals to bright light each day to counteract the lack of sunlight during the winter months. This is typically done in the morning for 30 to 45 minutes to be teh most effective. Other than light therapy, it is important to get out of the house and see other people, as hard as that might be. It is helpful to try to stay intentional with making social plans and taking care of yourself during the colder months to help mitigate against seasonal affective disorder.

As many other individuals have struggled with seasonal affective disorder, I too have had my fair share of seasonal depression during the winter months. I find it challenging to stay motivated to complete my daily tasks, make plans with friends, and do things that make me happy. However, over the years I have learned that all it takes is pushing yourself a little bit to get through seasonal depression. This winter, I have purchased a light therapy box which I have noticed has helped with my seasonal depression a little - but a little can go a long way. Implementing strategies instead of wallowing away in your depression is crucial to climb out of the depression hole.

Source: https://quotewizard.com/news/seasonal-depression