How I Cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
How I Cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs seasonally. While a lot of folks, like me, experience it during the winter as our days get shorter and shorter, people may also experience it during the summer (my friend Lachrista, @theguerrillafeminist, does an amazing job of talking about summer SAD on her page).
For me, it means that during the winter I feel much, much, MUCH more depressed and hopeless - but i’m grateful to have found a few things that make it a bit easier for me 💕 I want to share four tips that might help you and/or a loved one.
Light, light, light!
I break out my light therapy box in October. These lamps mimic sunshine and can help with SAD symptoms. Basically, when I get up I turn it on and sit in front of it for about 30 minutes. I’ve noticed a HUGE correlation between my mental health and light all year long but it’s especially pronounced during the winter. I do my best to make the most of natural light by taking short strolls outside throughout my day.
Stay connected
It can be easy to want to hibernate during the winter, withdrawing from my friends and chosen family, & live that hermit life - but this definitely, totally, 100% makes me feel worse. I use the dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skill, opposite action, to support me in staying connected. When i notice an impulse to begin isolating, I reach out to a few people instead. This might look iike:
💖 Calling or texting a loved one
💖 Scheduling a videochat date
💖 Exchanging snail mail with friends
Have a winter hobby
Making time for play, creativity, and being present by doing something I enjoy helps keep me engaged, enthusiastic, and excited about life! This winter, I’m working on a new zine series for Femme Filth Press. Try something new or do something you normally love. It may be difficult at first and can take time, like strengthening a muscle.
Ask for help
Finally, ASK FOR HELP. Have a support system, whether that's a community care team, a therapist, and/or peer support . Peer Support Space has a plethora of amazing groups that are easy to participate in via Zoom and are supportive and fun.
