LIFE

Maybe you aren't really feeling like yourself lately. It's getting harder to find motivation to finish your homework or spend time with your friends, and you feel sad almost all the time. If this sounds like you, you might be suffering from seasonal depression.

What is seasonal depression?

Seasonal depression, aka seasonal affective disorder or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to changes in the seasons. Most people who develop SAD have symptoms in the fall and winter months and lose their symptoms at the start of spring.

How do you know if you have SAD?

There are a lot of symptoms that can be signs of seasonal depression. If you're feeling unmotivated and losing interest in activities you used to love, often oversleep and have low energy throughout the day, you might have SAD. Some other symptoms include overeating, difficulty concentrating and feelings of hopelessness. Symptoms usually get worse as the season goes on.

If you think you have SAD, it might be a good idea to make an appointment with a healthcare professional for an evaluation. Your doctor or psychiatrist will be able to tell if your symptoms are seasonal depression or if they could be related to a different issue.

How do you treat SAD?

Don't worry, babes. There are a ton of ways to cope with seasonal depression. One of the causes of SAD can be a lack of sunlight, which means light therapy might be a great way to start treating your symptoms. All you need to do is hop on Amazon and buy yourself a happy light. Taking a Vitamin D supplement can also help replace some of those rays you're missing out on.

Now is the time to go all out with self-care! Take a bubble bath or plan a movie night with your besties. Cook all your comfort foods or finally get started on your TBR stack. Self-care might not totally cure your symptoms, but it definitely can't hurt.

If your symptoms get much worse, you may want to talk to your primary care provider about seeking medication. Medication is not always the answer( and can have unwanted side effects), but it may be what's best for your situation.

Most importantly, talk to others about what you're feeling, whether it's your parents, friends or a therapist. Remember you are not alone! You can get through this.

Sending you *all* the love.

Want some ways to cheer yourself up? Look no further than these GL posts:
💙 How to throw the best potluck with your besties this fall
💙 Beginner-friendly crochet projects that you will actually want to wear
💙 7 things to add to your fall bucket list this year

Gifs via Giphy

by Aubrey Rhoadarmer | 1/17/2023