Have you ever noticed a gradual yet drastic change in your mood as the seasons move through fall and winter? It’s like autumn creeps in and suddenly you begin to feel unshakingly down, drained, less motivated, easily agitated, more anxious than usual, and overwhelmingly sad. If you pay attention, you may also notice that your mood gradually yet drastically changes back to happy as spring and summer creeps in. If this sounds familiar, then you may be plagued with the very annoying defect called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that usually attacks during the fall and winter months, although no exact cause has been identified, some studies suggest that it could be caused by changes in the internal clock when the seasons change, reduced levels of serotonin, an imbalance of melatonin or hereditary. Whatever the reason, SAD can stick around and interfere with one’s quality of life, making it harder to be your regular “upbeat” self. Below are a few more symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder and a few natural ways to beat it.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Constant depression
- Constant sadness
- Reduced energy
- Lost interest in activities that you typically enjoy
- Feelings hopelessness
- Change in sleep pattern; oversleeping at times, insomnia at times
- Change of appetite; cravings, eating more or eating less than usual
- Suicidal thoughts
- Having difficulty concentrating
6 Ways to Naturally Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Increase your intake of Vitamin D, it's linked to improving mood and stimulating mental health
- Exercise more, moving releases good mood endorphins
- Meditating, praying, and affirming encourages positivity and trains the brain to be happier and more hopeful
- You are not alone, in fact,10,000,000 Americans are affected by SAD each year, so go find a support group, talk things out regularly and be each other’s cheerleaders
- Change your diet; ditch the processed foods, the soda and the alcohol and adopt a cleaner diet, filled with fresh veggies and fruit, raw nuts and legumes and lean protein. Remember, you are what you eat!
- Sit with a light therapy box for at least 30 minutes a day, doing so can drastically reduce your SAD symptoms
When to Call your Doctor:
We at Somewhat Zen do not claim that any of the suggestions above can cure any ailment. If your symptoms persist or worsen or if you have any concerns or questions, please contact your doctor. Please call, text 988 or visit LifeLine to speak to a counselor if you have thoughts of suicide.
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