Helpful Tips For Dealing with Seasonal Depression

Helpful Tips For Dealing with Helpful Tips For Dealing with Seasonal Depression Seasonal Depression

There are many people who struggle with maintaining their mental health during certain times of the year. Seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder is something that millions of people suffer from. If you are someone that deals with this you are not alone; millions of people all over the world have seasonal depression and many of them don’t even know. Some symptoms may include fatigue, anxiety, social withdrawal, appetite changes, lack of concentration and many others. Although this disorder may be hard for some to manage, it is possible to overcome the negative feelings that may come with it. Here are a few ways you can help ease your pain:

1. Explore New Hobbies

Trying new things that you’ve been curious about will help you to put this energy into positive things as opposed to sitting in your sadness. It will help you to not only grow your skill set, but it can introduce you to things that you would’ve never guessed you would love and find joy in. There are many talents that are in you that you may not even know you have. Discovering hidden abilities and falling in love with those things can cause you to feel a sense of achievement and accomplishment.

2. Find Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Many people who deal with SAD tend to turn to drugs and alcohol as a form of coping. Although there is nothing wrong with enjoying a drink every now and again, it is not a healthy way to cope with being depressed. There are other enjoyable ways to release these feelings. Go outside and enjoy the sun, dedicate time to self care or start journaling. These are only a few of the many ways you can cope in a healthy way.

3. Stay Well Rested

Sleeplessness is a symptom of SAD and causes people to be moody and can negatively affect the way someone lives their day-to-day life. Without an adequate amount of sleep people can begin to become delusional, cranky and can heavily affect your nervous system and emotional state. Getting enough sleep to be functional is very important especially when you’re in a negative emotional state.

4. Seek Help

There are many counseling programs out there, you just have to find the one that is right for you. Feel free to be as picky as you want when it comes to this, you may not feel like the first one you try is the one that is meant for or helpful to you and that is okay. Look for a therapist or psychiatric doctor that is fit for your needs. There are free counseling programs out there too, don’t let money be the thing that stops you from getting help. This may be a process but it is worth it!In the meantime, surround yourself with people who you enjoy being around. Surround yourself with people who you know have your best interest at heart. Look for someone who listens to you and is trustworthy with your thoughts and feelings. Comfortability may not come immediately but if you come across someone you’re not so comfortable with and don’t see yourself getting comfortable with, find someone else that will cater to you.

5. Enjoy the Season

No matter what season your SAD hits the hardest, there are ways to enjoy whatever season that is. If it’s fall, go enjoy a football game with your loved ones, go paint pumpkins, go order a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks. If it’s winter then go decorate gingerbread people, watch winter movies, go get a peppermint mocha latte from Starbucks. If it’s spring go start a garden, take a hike, go birdwatching. If it’s summer, head out to the lake and go swimming or fishing, go to a music festival or two.These are only examples of ways to enjoy the seasons but find the good things to do during your season of sorrow that will help turn it into a season of joy.

These are a few of the many ways to help you get through your rough season. Find the ways to celebrate life during that time that will work for you. Keep in mind that seasons come and go, these feelings are temporary. You can come out if you put your heart to it.