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How to Cope When The Changing Seasons Bring You Down
September 21, 2021
For many people, a change in the season means seasonal blues. Sometimes called seasonal depression, or technically, “seasonal affective disorder” is a medically acknowledged form of mild to moderate depression. We call it seasonal depression because it creeps in around fall and winter. Identifying seasonal depression can get tricky, but some symptoms to watch for are:
- Oversleeping
- Increased appetite
- Craving carbohydrates and sugar
- Social withdrawal
- Low energy
- Seeking comfort in alcohol or drug use
- Difficulty focusing
- Unfounded frustration, irritability, or anger
- Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
Coping when changing seasons bring down your mood
Therapists usually recommend a combination of strategies to help combat the low moods brought on by seasonal depression. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are a few things that can help.
Seasonal depression already saps your energy, so during the winter and fall, self-care becomes even more critical. The four pillars of health are exercise, nutrition, sleep, and relaxation. Each one is equally important to your mental health. Here are some ways to prioritize your health:
- Plan as many outdoor activities as you can manage. A simple walk is fine, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, autumn is a beautiful season for hiking.
- Make sure you’re eating plenty of vegetables with your favorite comfort foods
- Monitor how much sleep you’re getting. Eight hours is ideal.
- Let yourself relax when you’re tired. Burnout significantly strengthens depression symptoms.
