Introduction
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? According to nimh.nih.gov, “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in the late fall and early winter and going away during the spring and summer. Depressive episodes linked to the summer can occur, but are much less common than winter episodes of SAD.” This article will prevent tips to prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter months.
Have Consistency
According to postpartumprogress.com, it is important to have consistency. According to postpartumprogress.com, the following can be noted:
Try and identify one thing that remains consistent through this transition, and pay attention to it
This can be something as literal as “I take a shower every morning”, as practice-based as “I take 5 deep breaths when I notice myself becoming anxious,” or as metaphoric as “I am a tree withstanding a storm” or “I am a stone in a raging river.” Or, you may want to try identifying, out loud, all of the parts of you that remain steady despite the changes around you: “I am a woman. I live in ____. I am a mother. My baby’s name is _____.” When we feel ungrounded, it can be reassuring to know that there is something that we can count on.
Be Kind To Yourself
It is also important to remember to be kind to yourself. According to postpartumprogress.com, the following can be noted:
Be kind to yourself
Yeah, I know. This one can be hard, especially if you are one of the many who has very high expectations of yourself. But, the truth is that most people feel the ripple of change and so it makes sense that you may begin to feel a bit un-moored at this time. When you beat yourself up for feeling out of sorts, it adds a whole new level of distress.
It Is Also Important To Talk About It
It is also important to express your feelings and talk about how you are doing. According to postpartumprogress.com, the following can be noted:
Talk about it
If you give yourself permission to talk about the effect seasonal change is having on you, you will most likely find that others understand and validate how you feel. Company is truly healing.
Conclusion
This article has provided readers with several tips to prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter months. Consider giving these strategies a try.