Winter Blues: How to Know If You Have Seasonal Affective Disorder

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The time change and cold winter can be a rough time for some people. But for others, the winter blues hit rough during this time of the year. These blues can impact day to day life and are actually a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If the winter blues have you feeling down, see if you are experiencing some of the symptoms of SAD and get the help you need.

What Are the Winter Blues/Seasonal Affective Disorder?

SAD is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. During the winter, people with SAD will notice that their symptoms are more prevalent. In lesser cases, some people with SAD may experience symptoms in the summer instead. But for the most part, sufferers will find that the winter brings out their symptoms.

Symptoms of SAD

Feeling Down

We all have off days here and there, but if you notice that you’re feeling sad and down almost every day, that’s a sign to keep an eye on. Generally, people with SAD will feel down starting in the late fall and through the winter, with symptoms resolving once spring and summer roll around. These feelings may also lead individuals to feel hopeless, worthless, or, in some cases, lose their will to live. Reach out to a therapist on Talkspace if you have any of these feelings and thoughts.

Loss of Interest in Things You Enjoy

If your winter blues are preventing you from wanting to do activities that you typically enjoy, that’s a sign of SAD. Along with that, you may find that it’s harder to concentrate on tasks. You may notice that you have less energy, spend more of your time sleeping, and are generally more tired in the winter. If you’re not sure if you’re simply in a funk or experiencing SAD, connect with a doctor or therapist on PlushCare. They’ll be able to assist you with getting your life back on track!

Changes in Appetite

SAD can cause changes to your typical diet. You might find that you are overeating and experiencing a higher craving of carbohydrates. If you have gained a lot of weight during the winter and are unhappy, try Ro’s weight loss program to get you to a healthy weight!

Treatment

You don’t have to live with the winter blues each season. Taking steps early can help prevent SAD from getting worse over time. Speaking with a therapist on Cerebral will help you to manage your symptoms. A professional will know how to best treat your specific symptoms. They may recommend light therapy, talk therapy, or medication. Together, you can work with a therapist to help you manage your stress. They might suggest using a meditation app, like Headspace to help you get a restful sleep and calm your mind.

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Things You Can Do

Take care of yourself if you are experiencing the winter blues. Make time each day to get outside, even if it is cold and cloudy. Exercise can also be beneficial for your mental health and can drastically improve your mood. If you’re working from home, try to bring more light into your home. Keep the blinds open and sit closer to the window if possible. And lastly, try to keep a consistent sleep schedule. This will help prevent you from napping throughout the day or oversleeping.

More Mental Health Tips

Whether you just have a small amount of winter blues or diagnosed SAD, it’s important to take some time this winter for self care. Taking care of yourself can make you feel better and create a happier you. Practicing self care can be a form of home therapy and can help you sort through and deal with your feelings and emotions.