Self-Care: Holding Onto Good Mental Health After The Seasonal Depression

Seasonal depression is also referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This refers to a type of depression that relates to changes in the seasons. Most people with SAD feel symptoms come on in the fall and generally feel them all through the winter. Symptoms, which include lethargy, sadness, and general depression, usually dissipate once spring arrives. With the warmer months here, it’s a great time to get into some healthy mental habits. By doing so, you’ll be ready to fight the blues come fall. Building new habits now aren’t only beneficial for battling seasonal depression. They can also provide holistic benefits throughout the whole year. Here are some ways you can hold onto your good mental health all year long:

Stay Physically Active 

Inactivity can definitely worsen depression symptoms. And several recent studies suggest people who have regular exercise have better mental health than those who do not. Sedentary individuals usually ranked higher in overall life dissatisfaction and depression. One of the best habits to get into is to ensure you move your body every day. This may even mean only going for a quick walk around the neighborhood. Exercise, recreational sports, and informal leagues can help you to stay physically active, promote mental health, and reduce symptoms of depression. Consider alternatives that may fit your geographic location as well. If you live in an area of the country that experiences cold, snowy winters, think about taking up a fun activity like skiing or snowshoeing. If that’s just not your thing, consider getting a treadmill, stationary bike, or mini trampoline for your home.

Reduce Social Media Use 

Social media is fun once in a while and a way for us to stay connected to others. But too much social media use has been shown to cause mental health issues. Some of these can include inattentiveness, depression, and anxiety. Be sure to limit your social media use and outweigh it with time spent in physical activity.

Take Up a Hobby 

Doing something you enjoy is obviously great for your mental health. But so many people feel they are too busy with work and family responsibilities. So, make time! Learn to paint or play an instrument. Or, take salsa lessons or start writing that novel you’ve always dreamed about.

Relax More Often 

Chronic stress is a killer. It can cause the development of diseases such as heart disease and cancer. At the very least, chronic stress will dysregulate your nervous system. In turn, this will then cause depression. Take time every week to check out and destress. Get a massage, take a long hot bath, sit in a sauna, or just lie in the hammock in your backyard. You may also want to consider working with a depression therapist. By doing so, you always have someone to freely talk with about whatever’s bothering you. If you find your therapist now, you will have formed a relationship come fall when the blues tend to settle back in. If you’d like to learn more options about treatment for depression in Atlanta, GA, please feel free to reach out to us.

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SOURCES: 

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651 
• https://www.powerofpositivity.com/improve-mental-health-habits/ 
• https://www.mhanational.org/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health