The winter blues, seasonal depression, or as medical professionals refer to it; Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a common but often misunderstood illness that affects millions. Recognizing the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder involves a combination of self-awareness and proactive strategies. Thankfully, as Western society grows more centered on self-care and mental wellness, it's easier to navigate this transition if we know the symptoms, patterns, and duration.
Commons Symptoms Include:
Low energy and libido
Changes in appetite or weight gain
Difficulty in concentrating
Feelings of sadness and irritability
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Pay attention to whether these symptoms occur seasonally, typically starting in the fall and easing up to the spring season or summer. This could last for two or more consecutive winters, with some, or all of the listed symptoms above. As with any diagnosis, it's important to consult your doctor if you notice a pattern in your behavior, and would like to take back more control over your mental health during these fluctuations.
“If you are having these feelings, you’ll have a clear approach to disengage and a better transition plan to Spring cheer. Remember to increase sunlight exposure, open your draperies or blinds, and spend time outdoors whenever you can. Sometimes, even walking in the rain feels good.”
More Simple Tips to Follow:
Stay active and engage in regular exercise, TV can be your friendly workout instructor
When it gets warmer, take advantage of hiking, walking, biking or gardening
Maintain good nutrition and limit alcohol intake
Prioritize a regular sleep pattern and keep a healthy lifestyle
Practice stress reductions techniques like yoga or meditation
Consider activities that bring you joy, pamper yourself and have a bubble bath or spa day outing
Communicate and connect with family and friends
If you find that you are still struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, consult your doctor about additional therapies that can help
Transitioning from the winter blues to spring cheer may take time and effort, but with self-care in mind and support, you can successfully improve your mental well-being.
Want to Learn More? Check out these helpful links:
As always, Karmascore is here to help as we can assess the various relationships or connections that may be contributing to your winter blues. Our app can identify toxic people that spread negativity in your daily life, so you can put them on timeout or disconnect altogether.
When you are physically, emotionally and mentally healthy, you have more LOVE to give!
Let’s nurture, measure and thrive! By Virginia C. Dori CMO at Karmascore Nurture * Measure* Thrive Karmascore is woman-founded relationship analytics company, a mobile app solution for relationship management and scoring, for today’s focus on selfcare and mental wellness. It’s the first of its kind that tracks progress and efficiency, to build and manage better relationships, measure the moments that matter and eliminate stress. Download our free app from iOS or Google Play App Store, and for more information visit: www.karmascoreapp.com
Comentários