People typically associate wintertime with festive lights and the holiday spirit, but the frigid weather and shorter days can easily have a major impact on one’s mood and energy. Here in upstate New York, people are more susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that happens during the fall or winter typically because of the immense darkness.
SAD can change your day-to-day life whether you notice it or not. It can cause a lack of energy, a change in mood, a change in sleep patterns, a change in appetite/diet, or a loss of interest in certain activities. If you notice yourself feeling any of these, be sure to act accordingly. We gathered some tips with advice from the Mayo Clinic that have helped others through this dark season and can potentially help you too!
Take some time out of your day to socialize
One of the top things that experts and people who suffer from SAD say is to socialize. Take time out of your day to hang out with a friend or two at Panera or the library! Staying connected with your friends is an important part that can make a long dark day turn into a sociable brighter day.
If you have the emotional and physical energy, do not be afraid to help others! Be that friend that reaches out first because you may not know if someone is affected by SAD or not.
LIGHTTTTTTT
Make a brighter environment for yourself. Do whatever you can to see light. This can include opening up the blinds in your room, sitting closer to windows, or going outside! Some of you may be going to school before the sun rises and coming home after 5 pm when the sun has already set. Your whole day has just passed with no sun. So be sure to spend as much time exposed to light as possible. It has been proven to provide you with more energy and a better mood!
It may sound silly at first, but you can buy a light therapy lamp. Like mentioned previously, exposure to light is important for your mood. Many people who have gotten through seasonal depression have found this helpful and it may be time for you to invest in a light lamp!
Exercise and other relaxation techniques
Whenever you exercise, your brain releases feel good chemicals that can improve mood, self-esteem, and general wellbeing. Physical activity can distract you from negative thought patterns.
Any type of exercise works, from intense weight lifting to yoga. We strongly recommend taking a walk outside to soak in the fresh air. This is also a great way to get your daily dose of sunlight!
Medication
Don’t be afraid to take medicine! There are many options when looking for medication. There are over-the-counter options such as anti-depressants that can aid your seasonal depression. If you feel as if your depression is getting more severe, it is also okay to seek professional help.
Take a break!
Mental health days are okay. Take a day for yourself and your own wellness. You can try starting a new hobby, meditating, or doing any other of the tips that we suggested. Humans aren’t meant to be working 24/7 and at some point, you’ll run into burnout. Invest in breaks for yourself before you burn out!
From the district: We are pleased to invite you to our first Seasonal Depression Fair tonight, Monday, December 11th, from 7:00-8:30 pm in the FMHS Library. Organized by the students in FM SAFE Club,, you can meet with representatives from several of our community partners and agencies including: CNY Mental Health Counseling, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Contact Community Services, FM Safe Club, and Safe Space Community Healing Center.
