Feeling SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects over 10 million people in the United States alone. SAD is related to the changing of the seasons. It typically begins and ends at the same time each year and is more prevalent in women. It typically starts around age 20. SAD is also more common in the northern states, due to the lower amounts of sunlight in the wintertime.
We wanted to share more about a personal experience of living with SAD. Mandy began feeling the effects of it as far back as college but didn’t know that was anything more than the winter blues. During our yoga training, she was able to connect with herself and this helped her to better understand the correlation between her feelings and how the seasons and darkness may be affecting her. So we sat down and chatted more about SAD and her coping mechanisms.
“Thought distortion- When things seem worse then they are in reality. When this happens, I intentionally focus on the things I should feel grateful for.”
When fall begins, the days start to shorten and summer is ending, Mandy begins feeling anxious. She wishes she could fast forward through the wet darkness that we endure here in Washington State, but knows that it is not healthy to wish half of your life away.
Do not despair, no one really should hibernate for the long winter months, so here are some tips and tricks that Mandy uses to keep her going while she waits for that sunshine to return. Some days can be worse than others. On those extra dark and cold days, when you are feeling a little blue, acknowledge it and do not hide it. Give yourself 30 minutes to be sad and don’t apologize for it. After 30 minutes get up and do something.
Keeping your mood positive and your motivation steady can be hard. Try a couple of these things that help Mandy see the light through the winter dark when she just wants to curl up into a ball and hide under a blanket.
Meet up with friends for a walk or a workout.
Use a Happy Light daily.
When it is not too ugly outside, go out for a walk and get some fresh air.
Plan something that you are looking forward to soon.
This is the Happy Light that Mandy uses.
No matter if you have SAD or just the occasional ‘Winter blues,’ know that you are not alone. There are many ways to help keep you motivated.
