Last Updated On: September 9, 2024
What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? Have you heard of it? Do you get sad or depressed when it is dull and gloomy? Do the winters make you unhappy? It is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People experience this emotion usually every year around winters. This happens due to a change in season which affects a person’s life. Mostly seen in women aged 18 to 30, it occurs due to a chemical imbalance in the brain due to a lack of sunlight. Depression that worsens during winters is a sign of seasonal affective disorder. In this article, we will discuss various ways to ease depression. In case, you feel hopeless, unworthy and have thoughts of suicide, this article will help you find ways to deal with depression. Some of the common signs and symptoms of Seasonal Affective disorder include:
If you’ve been thinking – How to naturally cure severe seasonal depression? we’ve got you sorted. Below is a list of things you must do to cope with seasonal affective disorder.
Have you heard of dawn simulators? These devices work like magic for people suffering from SAD. Instead of waking you up with a loud sound or continuous beeping, these devices produce a light that slowly increases in intensity. We told you – magic! You can avail of different models online that best suit your preference. A full-spectrum light that is closest to natural sunlight is known to be effective for people with SAD. According to a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, dawn simulators work as light therapy for people experiencing mild SAD.
While the winter’s make you want to stay indoors, finding creative ways to engage and connect with people is the need of the hour. A simple activity like hanging out with friends or relatives will drive the blues away. You can take a stroll in the local park, play sportive games in the backyard, go on leisure walks when the weather permits or play outdoor sports if you feel up to it. Staying in isolation will get you depressed, and this is why you need to interact and socialize. If you still don’t feel like stepping outside owing to the extreme cold, you can Facetime with your friends or set up Zoom calls to bring in some cheer.
Haven’t you heard of aromatherapy before? The use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes is called aromatherapy. As per studies, essential oils are known to calm and soothe nerves. It is known to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and insomnia. Essential oils treat the area of the brain which is responsible for controlling the moods, appetite and sleep of a person diagnosed with SAD. It helps improve mental well-being when done with another soothing activity such as enjoying a relaxing bath in a bathtub or reading a book or some quiet company by candlelight.
When depression kicks in, it is difficult to stick to a schedule or go about your everyday routine. SAD patients may find it difficult to sleep at night and wake up in the morning. Creating a routine will help improve sleep which in turn will reduce seasonal depression symptoms. Maintaining a schedule will introduce you to following a pattern such as eating at appropriate time intervals or watching shows online without overdoing it. It will help you to keep a check on your weight during the winter as a lot of SAD patients tend to gain weight.
Another self-care measure you can follow to decrease the symptoms of SAD is by taking a vacation to warmer places. A vacation will help you escape dull climate and gray skies. Taking a short break from your mundane routine and traveling to a sunny place will drive the blues away and bring a smile to your face. It will uplift your mood and help you take time off work to experience vacation activities whilst leaving gloomy weather behind.
Lightbox therapy is exposure to artificial light that will aid in preventing the onset of SAD. These devices are substitutes for sunlight and are brighter than regular light bulbs. You can sit in front of a light box for 20-30 minutes a day while sipping your morning coffee. It will elevate your mood.
SAD is a clinical term and a form of depression that needs to be diagnosed by a medical professional. On consulting your doctor, you will know if you have SAD or any other type of depression. Once detected with SAD, you can visit a doctor and avail treatment.
People suffering from SAD may be prone to cardiac arrest. Trouble comes without knocking at your door. It is difficult to watch your loved one suffering from cardiac arrest and not know how to help. Instead of taking a course when someone gets ill, it is essential to stay prepared in times of an emergency. In such a case, taking an online CPR certification would be beneficial. You can use your CPR skills whenever the emergency arises.
Upskilling is a crucial part of growth. You should never stop upskilling, even if you reach the peak of your career. You never know when an online CPR certification could come of help in an emergency. You can contact the American CPR Care Association for further inquiries. Log onto their website and check their offerings in detail.
