5 Ways to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder

Have you been binging on Netflix? Sleeping more than usual? Not exercising enough? If so, you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression related to the seasons of the year. Typically, SAD starts in the late fall when the days become shorter and activities taper off. Symptoms increase and plateau through the winter months.

“The symptoms of SAD are similar to those of major depression: increased appetite and cravings for carbohydrates, increased hours of sleep, feeling frequently tired, lack of motivation, thoughts of low self-worth, and irritability,” said Amber Olson, behavioral health consultant supervisor at Memorial Behavioral Health—Counseling Associates.

Amber provides five tips to help you beat the winter blues:

1. Stay active.
2. Minimize time on the sofa.
3. Eat a well-balanced diet.
4. Get an appropriate amount of sleep for your body.
5. Spend time with friends and family doing fun activities.

If you are experiencing some or all of these symptoms, take our free, confidential screening with immediate results and suggested next steps.