December is Seasonal Depression Awareness month. Season Affective Disorder (SAD) is a thing, and it is more than ‘simple’ winter blues.
It is commonly associated with fall and winter seasons because of the gloomy weather, time change that causes earlier darkness, and lack of outdoor activities and contact with others.
SAD symptoms can be:
Anxiety
Social withdrawal
Low energy
Depressed mood
Changes in sleep patterns
Loss of interest in activities
Lack of concentration
What can you do?:
Keep a sleep schedule. I.e., go to bed and get up at the same time.
Make your room or a space an oasis.
Go outside and take a walk or add some exercise to your routine.
Socialize and connect with others even if it’s through Zoom. Or maybe go ‘old school’ and write an annual letter that you can copy and send to family and friends.
Volunteer.
Stay healthy, assess how you are feeling, and seek out support.
What's your opinion?