While there are antidepressants, psychotherapy, light therapy and herbal remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of SAD, you can also be an active part of your treatment by taking additional action. Listed below are a just a few ways you can help to lessen the severity of the depression.
Exercise. You’ve heard it before; exercise is a great cure for depression. And it really doesn’t matter what the cause of the depression is. Exercise helps relieve both stress and anxiety – both of which can actually increase your SAD symptoms. But there are added benefits as well. Getting fit or maintaining your health level of fitness can contribute to your sense of self esteem. This can do wonders to improve your mood.
Learn how to manage your stress. If you haven’t learned how to manage the stresses of your life, they certainly can soon become overwhelming and cause depression. Many people turn to food or switch their brains to unhealthy thoughts and negative behaviors in a misdirected attempt to cope with their stress. It doesn’t work.
Get out more with friends. This suggestion may not sound like what you really feel like doing when you’re depressed, but it does help. Don’t isolate yourself from the company of people who you like. Not only will getting out of the house and doing something fun help take your mind off your troubles, but it’ll provide you some additional moral support.
Open your window blinds. Let the sun shine in! Sure, that’s not that much of it in the winter, but make sure you maximize your exposure while you can. Open the blinds on sunny days. If you can, add skylights to your house. If you house is shaded by trees, trim some of the branches to allow more light to enter.
Enjoy the outdoors. Even in the wintertime, there are times when you can go outside and enjoy the day. You’ll especially want to take a walk on a sunny winter day. If it’s not too cold, try eating your lunch in the park. Or just spend some quiet time outside basking in the sun.
Care for yourself. This may seem obvious, but it needs to be said. Don’t let the depression overwhelm you. In spite of your feelings, continue to take care of yourself. Make sure you get enough rest, eat healthy and take some time out for yourself – just to relax. In fact, this is the best time to pamper yourself. Have you ever experienced the soothing effects of a massage? You’d be amazed how it can improve your mood – and relieve stress at the same time! Try to avoid alcohol during this time – it’ll just make you more depressed.
Take a winter vacation. If you can afford the cost and the time, take a trip! If you’ve been plagued by SAD previously, then you might want to consider planning your vacation in the winter. Pick a nice, warm, sunny climate. There’s an added bonus to this: winter rates – from airline tickets to hotel rooms – are usually much less expensive.
Follow your treatments. Whatever your health care practitioner directs, keep on doing it. If you’re taking prescription medications, continue to take them. If you’re taking some form of psychotherapy, be sure to keep all your scheduled appointments.
