Those in the Emerald City won’t be alone in experiencing depression this winter. Countless American’s will experience the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D). S.A.D is a type of depression that due to the current COVID19 pandemic will increase. As therapist and coach, I work with dynamic, women who are not immune to the effects of this type of depression; no one is. One in eight women will develop a level of clinical depression during their lifetime, according to Mental Health America. So how do we prevent S.A.D? First, as with anything, you must increase your awareness of it!
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fatigue
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oversleeping
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episodes of depressed mood
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clinical depression
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and carbohydrate and sugar cravings
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weight gain.
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decreased performance at home/work
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increased dissatisfaction in your relationships to
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suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
So…Don’t Get S.A.D, Get G.L.A.D!
Get Out!
COVID19 quarantine can’t stop you from getting out to get some Vitamin D from the sun. Pay close attention to your Vitamin D levels as it affects depressive mood. You can also increase your vitamin D by choosing foods full of it. Consider an over the counter supplement, and if that is not enough, see your primary doctor for blood work.
Lighten Up!
Lighten up! Increase natural sunlight in your home! Natural light inside, even on cloudy days, makes a huge difference in our mood. Depression loves darkness! It feeds off of it. Open the blinds and let God’s natural light come in! Now that most Americans are working from home due to COVID19, make it a priority to open your blinds as soon as you see daylight. Also, invest in a therapy light, my clients love them!
Adjust your attitude!
Adjust your attitude! I am sure you will agree that enduring COVID19 is natural cause for an attitude adjustment. And, if you are like me, a summer baby, you dread the winter. Consider your power to choose and choose to shift your perspective on winter and learn to enjoy it. This process starts with the mind followed by some doing! You can do this by getting out and enjoying the weather alone or with your girl friends.
Daily routine
Blessings,
Your Favorite, Therapist, Coach, & Sister-Friend, Richale
