Seasonal Affective Disorder- How to Avoid and Deal with It
November 25, 2019
Autumn is officially here.
The clocks have gone back, it is consistently below 5°c and it’s dark when leaving for workas well as on the way home.
For a lot of people, the changes that come with the seasonscan affect their mood, but for those with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)this can have a massive detrimental effect to their daily lives.
With winter drawing near, we have pulled together some ofour top tips to help those that suffer with seasonal changes.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
If you are unsure if you have SAD, some symptoms caninclude:
- A persistent low mood and/or Irritability
- Feeling lethargic and sleeping for longer thannormal
- Loss of interest in your daily activities
Getting out during the day.
This sounds like an obvious one, but it has to be said that gettingout during the day, even for a ten-minute walk on your lunch break can dowonders for your mental health regardless of whether you suffer from SAD, notto mention soaking in some vitamin D. Make sure you wrap up warm!
Eat healthily.
Another one that everyone mentions, but making a concertedeffort to ensure you have your 5-a-day as well as cutting your alcohol intakedown and drinking more water, can help your mood, your skin and your generalwellbeing. As hard as it is this time of year, there are some easy ways to getthe goodness you need; such as homemade soups, stews and curries that will alsokeep you warm.
Exercise. Exercise. Exercise.
This again, like eating healthily, can make a massive impacton your mental health. If you aren’t a natural gym bunny, that’s ok! Eventaking little steps can help. Park further away from the entrance to work orthe supermarket, get off the bus a stop early. Every little helps!
Make the most of the light.
Having already mentioned getting out and about during the day,this is to help you whilst inside. Try and ensure that your home and workenvironments are as light and airy as you can make them. If you are able to,try and sit near a window during the day too, as the gradual shift in light asit gets darker will help you, rather than walking out to a pitch-black car parkafter work being a shock to the system.
Light Therapy.
This is a type of therapy that your GP may suggest to youthat is safe and has little to no side effects. Sitting near a light therapybox that’s designed to mimic natural outdoor light whilst working or goingabout your day to day can really help those with SAD by easing symptoms andincreasing energy levels.
These are just our top five tips, there are many otheroptions including talking therapies and medication if that is necessary.
We always suggest speaking to your GP to discuss any type oftherapy, to ensure the duration, intensity and when would be the most effectivetime of day for you.
If you think you may have SAD and are not yet seekingtreatment, you can read more here.
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