surviving SAD

SAD. seasonal affective disorder. 

it starts in the fall. right about now. so many people i know are struggling with depression right now. and the weather isn't helping. depression sucks the energy right out of you. all you want to do is cocoon, cry, sleep, and then sleep some more. and as one friend says, "it's like wearing shit coloured glasses all the time." "it's like quicksand and you don't know when you're sliding into it. and once you're in it, it feels impossible to get out of."

so what are some things that you can do besides medication and psychotherapy? 

get outside every day when there is daylight. go for a walk or sit in a park. yes, it's cold. bundle up and get out there anyway. force yourself. the exercise will help with the stress and anxiety that actually makes depression and SAD worse. 

when you're inside, keep your blinds open and sit near the window. 

find an activity that you enjoy and take part in it throughout the winter season. skiing, skating, hiking, or if you're like me and don't enjoy the outdoors in the winter, take a class, join a team, go to yoga (that's my plan this winter), take up a craft. 

take vitamin D ... as directed!

if you can afford it, invest in light therapy. you can buy the lights online and sit under them to simulate the sun. 

try st. john's wort and vitamin B. also take as directed. and check with your dr or pharmacist if you are taking other medications. 

most of all, don't keep it to yourself. there is such a stigma around mental health that we are often afraid to tell others. we try to take care of it ourselves. but as nosy nora always tells me, we are all in this life thing together. everyone needs someone. talk to your friends and family about how you are feeling and ask for help if you need it. we are here to support each other. 

be kind to yourself, 

xoxo

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