Seasonal Affective Disorder
Can’t Get Out of Bed?: When Seasonal Affective Disorder and the Pandemic collide:
Seasonal Affective Disorder also known as (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons. Other common nicknames for the disorder are “The winter blues” or “seasonal depression”. Most people have symptoms in the fall and winter months. Symptoms can include a daily depressed mood, lost interest in activities you once enjoyed, low energy, sleep disturbance, changes in appetite or weight, increased agitation or irritibility, feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide.
Now that we are in a pandemic a lot of individuals are finding the fall and winter months to be more difficult than usual. Here are a few common reasons why the pandemic may be causing more individuals to experience SAD for the first time:
Lack of sunlight & Activity: A lot of us live in parts of the country where it is too cold to enjoy a lot of outdoor activities. Some of us may even be too fearful of the virus to travel to a warmer climate or to participate in winter activities. In addition to the lack of sunlight, the lack of commuting and gathering may cause some of us to be less active and less interested in the things we enjoy.
It may be helpful to schedule walks or errands to get some fresh air and sun into your regular routine. Create new home based workout routines to help maintain your health and activity level.
For those of us craving intellectual activity there are plenty of online workshops, podcasts and book clubs to join to help fill this void.
Holiday Memories: Some of us may be mourning our loved ones we have lost over the years during the holidays. Families and friends are not able to safely continue their traditions that they look forward to every year. A lot of us may also be more isolated than usual this time of year.
We know its not the same, but please take advantage of technology and virtual options to connect with others. If you are reluctant to ask for help or admit you are struggling, now is the time to let go of any fears related to rejection or vulnerability.
Create new traditions honoring your loved ones who have passed. Aside from virtual meetings, you could light a candle, make themed dinners or create art in their honor.
Burnout: As we end a year and start a new one, some of us may have skipped our vacation days or have had to work even harder to make ends meet or maintain deadlines. Burnout can cause a lot of the same symptoms as SAD!
Please rest and rejuvenate! Maintain healthy eating and sleeping habits
Schedule non work related activities into your daily routine to de-stress. Finding therapeutic activities during a pandemic may take some creativity and introspection. Leave your comfort zone and explore other ways to revitalize yourself.
If you experience SAD, please reach connect with us and begin therapy!
