age is really just a number

Seasonal Affective Disorder is Real!

It turns out that more than 14% of Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder or in other words, they’re very S.A.D. around the holidays. It is not unusual to have new-onset or worsening depression during the winter months especially around the holidays due to simple things like:

1. Cold weather
2. Poor health or disability
3. Inability to go home for the holidays
4. Financial difficulties or strife
5. Family obligations
6. Stressful social interactions
7. The recent death of a loved one
8. Increasing significant demands on your shrinking time.

If you find yourself having symptoms of amplified depression or are just feeling that simple activities are much more difficult the normal; you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder. One major symptom is losing interest in things that usually bring you joy. Other symptoms are finding it hard to get out of bed, increasing fatigue, not feeling like cooking or eating and trouble concentrating.

There are some tried-and-true ways to combat seasonal affective disorder. Here are my top 10 ways to conquer the holiday blues.

1. Get more sleep. Your fatigue may be simply not getting enough rest.
2. Limit your alcohol intake. Holiday parties can actually worsen your depression if you have more than one or two drinks. Alcohol is a depressant.
3. Learn to say no. Overscheduling can cause significant stress.
4. Avoid overeating. Weight gain can also amplify your depression.
5. Be open to change. Maybe your holidays don’t look the way that they do in your head and you need to make new traditions with a more positive twist.
6. Find ways to give back. Volunteering during the holidays can be very fulfilling.
7. Spend time with your family and friends; especially if you have lost a loved one. You can support each other and talk about happier times.
8. Exercise regularly. There’s nothing better than a good aerobic workout to elevate your mood.
9. Do something fun with people that perhaps you wouldn’t normally interact with. Find a new social group or activity that will challenge you and bring you joy.
10. Start a gratitude journal. If you wake every morning asking yourself what you are grateful for, I think you will be amazed at the blessings that you have.

Finally, if none of these tricks break your holiday blues; please reach out to your physician. It’s okay to say that you need help. Seasonal affective disorder does not mean that you’re weak, it means that your mood is being affected by your surroundings and often things out of your control. Fight back and bring the joy back to your holiday season.