Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is a type of depression that occurs during fall and winter months. The reduced sunlight and colder temperatures can trigger a chemical change in the brain, leading to symptoms of depression.
Signs of SAD
Some common indications you or someone you know might be experiencing SAD include:
increased sleep and exhaustion
low energy
feeling sad most of the time
anxiety and irritability
loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
a sense of hopelessness
What Causes SAD?
Your biological clock gets thrown off when there is less sunlight in the day. This internal clock, also known as your circadian rhythm, regulates your sleep, hormones, and mood. When this shift occurs, it can negatively impact how you feel. Without Vitamin D from sunlight in the Fall and Winter seasons, it can hinder your serotonin (happiness hormone) levels. Additionally, more melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep, is produced in darker months, which can lead to feeling overly tired and sluggish.
Manage Seasonal Depression with Self Care!
🌳Get outside: boost your mood by taking a walk outside or reading at the park!
🏃Exercise regularly: moving your body is a great way to increase endorphins and improve energy levels.
😴Normalize sleep patterns: Regulate your sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday.
🫂Socialize: spending time with friends and family can help reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness.
🗣️Talk to others about how you're feeling: If you're struggling, try to let others know how you're feeling. Opening up about your feelings can help you find the support you need.
☀️Take Vitamin D supplements: Regulate your mood levels when missing out on sunlight
Things to look forward to this Fall and Winter! 🍂
Although the colder seasons can bring challenges, there is still a lot to look forward to!
🍏Visit a pumpkin patch or go apple picking
🎃Create a Jack-O-Lantern
☕Enjoy warm drinks like hot chocolate and apple cider
🎄Get into the holiday spirit with festive lights, decorations, and movies
📚Cozy up with a good book by a fireplace
How Changing Seasons Affect our Mental Health As the days become shorter and the weather begins to chill, it's common to experience shifts in mood. If you have noticed significant changes in how you feel or act when the seasons change, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is a type of depression that occurs during fall and winter months. The reduced sunlight and colder temperatures can trigger a chemical change in the brain, leading to symptoms of depression. Signs of SAD Some common indications you or someone you know might be experiencing SAD include:
increased sleep and exhaustion
low energy
feeling sad most of the time
anxiety and irritability
loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
a sense of hopelessness
What Causes SAD? Your biological clock gets thrown off when there is less sunlight in the day. This internal clock, also known as your circadian rhythm, regulates your sleep, hormones, and mood. When this shift occurs, it can negatively impact how you feel. Without Vitamin D from sunlight in the Fall and Winter seasons, it can hinder your serotonin (happiness hormone) levels. Additionally, more melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep, is produced in darker months, which can lead to feeling overly tired and sluggish. Manage Seasonal Depression with Self Care!
Get outside
: boost your mood by taking a walk outside or reading at the park!
Exercise regularly
: moving your body is a great way to increase endorphins and improve energy levels.
Normalize sleep patterns
: Regulate your sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday.
Socialize
: spending time with friends and family can help reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness.
Talk to others about how you're feeling:
if you're struggling, try to let others know how you're feeling. Opening up about your feelings can help you find the support you need.
Take Vitamin D supplements:
Regulate your mood levels when missing out on sunlight
Things to look forward to this Fall and Winter! Although the colder seasons can bring challenges, there is still a lot to look forward to!
Visit a pumpkin patch or go apple picking
Create a Jack-O-Lantern
Enjoy warm drinks like hot chocolate and apple cider
Get into the holiday spirit with festive lights, decorations, and movies
Cozy up with a good book by a fireplace
Have fun with this time of year! Your mental health does not define you☺️ Prosper is here every step of the way in your mental health journey. As the seasons start to change, remember to lean on Prosper to journal your thoughts and connect with a supportive community💛 🎙️Announcements Stay in touch with Prosper! Instagram @prosperselfcare TikTok @prosperselfcare Facebook @Prosper Self Care Discord: Join our community here! 👍Opportunities Enjoying Prosper? Email info@prosperselfcare.com with a written or video testimonial of how Prosper has helped you for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter!
