For some, symptoms are relatively mild and brief, but for others they can be quite disabling. Seasonal affective disorder (also known as SAD) is a type of depression that lasts for a season, typically winter, and goes away for the rest of the year. Symptoms include sleep difficulty, excessive sleeping, loss of interest, pervasively sad mood, excessive craving/eating, weight gain, and thoughts of suicide.
Here are some helpful tips:
Eat healthily. Get creative and look for low-calorie recipes that are easy to prepare rather than loading comfort foods with extra calories, sugar, and fat.
Stay active. Rather than staying cooped up in your house all winter, get out and enjoy your community.
Experience as much daylight as possible. Limited sun exposure is part of what causes Seasonal Affective Disorder and soaking up as much as you can may lessen your symptoms. Go out for a walk or sit by a window during daylight hours.
Spend time with your friends and family. This is a great way to avoid isolation and lift your spirits. Friends and family can be good to talk to about how the season is affecting you.
Seek professional help. A psychologist can help determine if someone has Seasonal Affective Disorder and the best way to treat it.
Our urgent care clinics are open to assist you with any wellness questions or depression symptoms. Visit one of our clinics today or make an appointment.
Call Care Eleven to learn more and make an appointment at one of our clinics to get screened or tested.
