Seasonal Depression is a mood disorder that’s characterized by depression, isolation, or social withdraws, amongst other things. This normally happens when the season is changing into the winter months, the days are shorter and night time is earlier, we don’t get enough sunlight, it’s cold, and it’s a lot gloomier.

A lot of people don’t actually know that they have seasonal depression or, if you’re like me, don’t acknowledge it at all. I am someone that swears I can figure it out all on my own and that I don’t need help or explanations for how I’m feeling.

If you have a hard time during the winter months and you find yourself feeling extremely irritable, fatigued, restless, socially withdrawn, disconnected, and generally depressed you might have seasonal depression. Please note that you definitely should NOT self-diagnose, regardless of how common this is for some people, ALWAYS make sure and check in with your health professional if you’re able to do so.

There are several tips and tricks that I’ve learned throughout that work for me and I hope they work for you too. Continue reading below for a handful of things that might work for you too!

• Light Therapy - Part of the reason we get sad or have mood changes is that we aren’t getting enough sunlight, we lack Vitamin D. The sun goes down earlier and when the sun is out, sometimes we don’t get to catch it.

  • Light therapy lamps can really help if you feel you’re lacking sunlight and in turn, it’s the reason you’re feeling down. There are tons of brands that have light therapy lamps, I’m currently testing one out and will definitely let everyone know if its helpful.

• Aromatherapy - Using essential oils can influence the part of your brain that affect your mood/energy. They can help relieve stress, anxiety, depression and/or sleeplessness, along with a ton of other things.

  • There are a lot of ways to implement aromatherapy into your routine: diffusers, baths, can be used topically — there are many ways. Find what works for YOU.

  • I also enjoy lighting candles, there’s something so relaxing and soothing about just burning a candle and letting that aroma fill your room.

• Exercise - It helps to move around and get some exercise and get your muscles and body moving. This winter I’ve been taking a couple of different classes to help me get some exercise. It really has helped and I feel great afterward. I am not consistent enough with it, but I am trying.

• Journaling - This is something that I would giggle at years ago, but man…it helps A LOT. Writing how you’re feeling, when you’re feeling it can be so freeing and it can really take the load off.

• Treat Yourself - Much easier said than done of course, but, make time to go out and spend time with your family and friends. Make plans to do fun activities. Or go out on your own, take a walk in the park or around your neighborhood. Take yourself to breakfast, lunch or dinner. Anything to get you outside of the house and feeling good.

• Travel - I know this isn’t doable for everyone, but if you are able to get out of the cold weather and into some sunshine, do so. It can help tremendously. Take a weekend trip to Miami and just bask in that.

• Cleaning - This is a personal one, I’ve found that when I’m feeling really sluggish and down, cleaning ALWAYS gives me this boost of energy and motivation to get shit done. There’s nothing I can’t do when I start cleaning and get into that energy.

• Music - Listening to music always makes me feel better. I listen to jazz, salsa, merengue and/or bachata. Put some music that gives you energy, makes you smile and dance. It always puts me in a better mood.

These are some ways that you can make yourself feel better during these winter months, I don’t always like to go the medication route but that is also an option for you. You can see your doctor and see what option works best for you.

I asked on Twitter if anyone I followed suffered from Season Depression and if so, what they do to cope. A lot of people responded with at least one of the things I listed above.

So..

Seasonal Depression is something that A LOT of people go through, you’re definitely not alone. Do not ignore the signs and don’t assume you’ve got it all figured out.

Try to do the small things that can potentially make you feel better, and always remember that there are people that care and love you. Reach out to them.

Do you guys go through Seasonal Depression, if so, what are some ways that you cope with it?

Comment below and let me know.