If dreary, dark winter months get you down, you’re not alone. When there is less natural sunlight it can mess with your mood and leave you feeling blue until spring comes and brings the sun with it. People with Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD) develop symptoms of depression in the winter months when there is less daylight.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is real, but there is help for it. Symptoms include: difficulty concentrating, poor memory, tendency to think pessimistically, sad mood, increased anger and irritability, low energy or fatigue, loss of interest in daily activities, moodiness, feelings of hopelessness and sleeping excessive amounts. Light therapy is a popular and medication free way to treat SAD. It involves sitting near a light box that mimics natural sunlight.
Psychotherapy can also help by allowing you to talk through your emotions and how you’re coping with the condition. It can also help you change your behaviors so you’re better able to deal when symptoms kick in. Here’s to feeling better and spending this winter enjoying your life.
Carrie
