Avoiding the Holiday Blues

Written by: Lanota Fludd, M.P.A, M.Ed

It’s cold outside, and for some people, the bleakness of outside seeps in. This is known clinically as seasonal depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) usually starts in the fall, lasts into the winter months, and resolves in spring and summer, yet it should be noted that Seasonal Affective Disorder can occur in any season.

The Mayo Clinic list symptoms as :

• Feeling listless, sad, or down most of the day, nearly every day
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Having low energy and feeling sluggish
• Having problems with sleeping too much
• Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating, and weight gain
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty
• Having thoughts of not wanting to live

Here are somethings you can do:

• Take a walk
• Speak to a therapist
• Travel
• Mediate/Pray

Remember you can also practice opposite action as well, which is to do the opposite of the emotion. For example, instead of listening in bed to sad music, find an upbeat song to listen to.

Cheers to warm, solid, and mentally healthy season!