Autumn is an exciting time for most people. The changing leaves, fall fashion, the beginning of the holiday seasons; there is so much to look forward to. But for some people, autumn is SAD.
What is SAD?
SAD standards for Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is a form of depression that is manifested during the fall and winter months. As the days get shorter, and there is less sunlight, many people develop feeling of hopelessness and apathy. They lose motivation, and for half the year they let important things in their lives start slipping away.
SAD is a real psychological condition, and it requires real psychological treatment. Treating SAD may require medication in some individuals, but the preferred methods for coping with seasonal affective disorder are all perfectly natural solutions.
Get Outside
The dwindling sunlight of autumn is a huge issue for those suffering from SAD. Some people will go months without direct sunlight because of their work schedules and busy lives, but taking a few minutes every day to step outside and soak up that Vitamin D can make all the difference.
Enjoying a walk on your lunch break, or just eating outside can boost your energy and help you maintain a positive attitude throughout the year.
Exercise
As the days grow colder most people choose to spend most of their day indoors. This can have some serious health consequences such as weight gain and the host of mental and emotional problems associated with it.
Combat SAD by staying active. It will relieve stress and anxiety and help you feel good about yourself; giving you a boost in energy and a positive outlook during the dreary months.
Dress Up
When people become depressed they lose interest in taking care of their appearance, but happiness can positive thoughts can be expressed through what you wear.
Put together colorful, “sunny” outfits to help shed a little more light on particularly gloomy days. Take pride in your appearance, and you’ll notice that you’ll be happier throughout the day.
Take A Trip
If you know that you begin to show symptoms of SAD during the fall and winter, plan a trip during those months. Go somewhere sunny where you can feel the warmth and rejuvenate. Making your vacation a goal can help you stay positive and give you something to look forward to.
Like most psychological issues, Seasonal Affective Disorder affects everyone in different ways. If you believe that you or someone you know may be showing SAD symptoms, come see us at Mountain Peaks Family Practice.