How To Help With Seasonal Depression

 

There are thousands of individuals that have seasonal depression.

It's not fun to deal with. Knowing the symptoms can help you

figure out that is what is going on with you. Many people can do

things at home to deal with it and others may need some

medication to help out.

Signs of season depression are:

Feelings of depression that happen most of the day, every day

in a seasonal pattern.

Having tiredness or low energy.

Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy.

Changes in appetite or weight gain.

Sleeping too much.

The number one thing a Dr. will tell you to do is invest in a light box.

You want to sit in front of the light box for

20-30 minutes a day.

Dawn simulators can help as well. These devices are alarm clocks,

but rather than waking you abruptly with beeping or music, they

produce light that gradually increases in intensity, just

like the sun.

Prepare for social activities. When you have seasonal depression

a lot of times you want to get out but you are too depressed

to go out around others. Make plans that excite you and keep

it to a limited amount of people so it doesn't overwhelm you.

Aromatherapy may work for you as well. Lavender is relaxing,

peppermint and lemon both help aid in anxiety. You can use a

diffuser, the lava rock bracelets and even a nasal inhaler

or all of the above.

Sticking to a schedule can help you as well, try to be as

exposed to as much natural sunlight as possible, keep your

curtains open if you are home.

Exercise, yoga and meditation may help. Try to exercise outside

if it's not too cold, if you have to do it indoors try to

stay close to a window if possible.

Try to avoid alcohol, drinking can make the depression worse.

If you feel like you do really need a drink try to turn to a

glass of red wine because it's actually good for your brain and

heart and most people who drink wine tend to just have a glass.

Journal, journal, journal... doing so helps you reflect on what you

may have done to have helped you have a better day or the

opposite and maybe you learn what some triggers are

besides just the season.

Take Vitamin D, you may already be deficient.

A lot of people who have depression have low Vitamin D,

I am one of those. Take a supplement, also it wouldn't hurt

anything having it checked by your doctor, you may need

a high dose. I take 50,000 IU once a week on top of

my multi vitamin that has Vitamin D on it. You are of course

not getting enough natural Vitamin D in the winter.

If you have tried things or you have been suffering over the

years, please go see a Dr. taking a anti-depressant

doesn't mean your weak.