No, we don’t mean regular blues—although, this piece might help with those, too.
We mean S.A.D—or, Seasonal Affective Disorder.
If you’re not sure what it is, you’re not alone: even though many people have the misconception that S.A.D is just...well, being sad for a while, nearly 3 million people report cases of it every year.
It’s pretty much what it sounds like; S.A.D is a specific type of depression that occurs during the winter months, when you’re less exposed to sunlight. Symptoms can include fatigue, moodiness, lack of motivation, sleep problems, and general apathy or depression every day, for most of the day.
It can be hard to shake the feelings of depression once they set in, but there are little things you can do to combat them. The most important? Go outside! Though it is tempting to hide under your blanket, spending time outside and maximizing your sunlight is really important. In addition, make sure that you’re getting adequate sleep and eating well. And of course, exercise is key! Make sure you’re getting your adrenaline going!
Bear in mind that these are just natural tips from one S.A.D sufferer to others. It’s important to visit your doctor if you’re finding that depressive symptoms are totally interrupting your ability to function.
In the meantime, remember—it’s already almost March! Just a few more months to longer, warmer days!
Raella Rayside
