Most people function adequately all year, but with the weather changing, they may suffer from a mood disorder; known as SAD. It is best to visit a psychologist who can help with diagnoses and treatment involving lifestyle changes that can help overcome the sadness and enhance their seasonal experience.
The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include:
- The person may experience emptiness, anxious and loneliness during the season
- Lack of energy to complete basic everyday tasks
- Experience sadness all day long
- Lose interest in their favorite activities
- Experience distorted sleeping patterns.
- Experience suicidal thoughts and are unable to communicate effectively with family members and close friends.
- They may experience irrational weight loss or weight gain.
- The individual may experience an exaggerated feeling of helplessness and hopelessness.
- Feel Nauseous
- Loss of appetite
- Consuming carbohydrates enriched food items.
Tips that can help deal with SAD are:
- Socialize: People isolate themselves during winters that add on more anxiety. Due to isolation, the person is unable to complete tasks. Going out for lunch and planning trips requires proper planning and getting things done before time. It is better for individuals who suffer from SAD to plan a trip before the seasonal change. It allows them to be proactive and complete all their tasks. Also, effective communication with friends and family members allows to regulate emotions and elevating the mood.
- Maintain a healthy Sleeping Pattern: Individuals who experience anxiety have distorted eating patterns. Ther family members should encourage them to have a healthy sleeping pattern. Eight hours of sleep is adequate for one to function and thrive. Sleeping late can cause fluctuation in the hormonal levels; hence, it is best to sleep and rise early. One should invest in an alarm clock and set everyday goals for encouragement.
- Reduce the intake of Alcohol and Carbs: Excessive consumption of alcohol is known to be associated with stress and anxiety. Also, consuming an unhealthy amount of carbs such as; spaghetti and bakery items can increase blood sugar levels. Hence, it is significant to limit the intake of alcohol and carbohydrates.
- Talk about your feeling: Having bad days is normal, but when the person is aware that change in weather causes sadness and loneliness, it is better to acknowledge and seek professional help. Talking about feelings helps regulate emotions. Additionally, knowing one has a support system can reinforce them to function better.
- Exercise: Exercising helps reduce stress and releases hormones responsible for producing dopamine, which helps change the mood. Also, exercising helps the person remain busy and change in their lifestyle; beneficial for mental and physical health.
- Try Light Therapy: The person is exposed to bright lights during the therapy session, which is beneficial for releasing brain chemicals responsible for changing the mood.
- Practice Aroma Therapy: Aromatherapy includes the use of essential oils. It is proven beneficial for mood changes. Also, it can help with sleeping and eating habits as the person feels better about themselves.
- Say no to Procrastination! Procrastination can worsen the symptoms; hence, it is better to complete the daily tasks related to academia or work. The activities will keep the person occupied and function adequately.
- Get into Healthy Eating Habits: One should include vitamin D supplements in their diet. Also, the caregivers should make sure their diet is consisting of omega 3 fatty acids and folic acid-enriched food items.
Focusing and prioritizing mental health is extremely necessary for thriving and functioning in every aspect of life. Caregivers or individuals should notice their mood and other symptoms and seek professional help if needed. One can consult a psychologist in Lyfe Healthcare who can help deal with their condition by providing effective feedback and changes that would allow one to perform well.
