Struggling with Seasonal Depression

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs with changes to seasons.  For most people, the symptoms usually start in the late fall and early winter and go away when the sun is out longer in the spring and summer. When the days are shorter, the temperature is colder, and the grey clouds tend to be more present.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder affects each person differently. The symptoms vary from person to person, and the symptoms can range from mild to very severe. Common symptoms include having fatigue, even after too much sleep, and weight gain. Those symptoms include:

  • Increase in purposeless physical activity (example: inability to sit still) or slow movements or speech but enough for people around to observe and notice
  • Feelings of sad, worthless, or guilt
  • Loss of interest in pleasure activities once enjoyed
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Hypersensitivity to rejection
  • Sleep problems

It is critical to see a medical health professional if you are experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Non- Medical Ways to Help

There are many alternative treatment options to try. Do not try these until consulted with a doctor.

Dawn Stimulators

The stimulators go off of your alarm clock notification and 30 minutes before it will go off, the stimulator will gradually increase light.

Aromatherapy

There are a variety of essential oils that have been shown to decrease depression symptoms. Some of these oils are: chamomile, sweet orange, grapefruit, and jasmine.

Exercise

Regular exercise gets your blood pumping and your body moving. Exercise improves mental health by reducing depression and by improving self-esteem and cognitive functions.  Yoga therapy and meditation are also effective in reducing stress and depressive symptoms.

Overall

People can incorporate these things in their home to help with prevention. They include:

  • Take every opportunity to be outdoors!
  • Increase the natural light in the home by opening curtains and clearing the windows front the outside of any branches.
  • Paint the interior walls light colors and decorate with pops of colors.

If things during this time become too much, contact Tabono if you need help. We are here to help. Please click here to contact us.

References:

Terman, Michael & Williams, Janet & White, Tom. (2009). Assessment Instruments. 10.1093/med/9780199544288.003.0018.

Tuunainen, A., Kripke, D. F., & Endo, T. (2004). Light therapy for non-seasonal depression. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2004(2), CD004050. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004050.pub2

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