Beat The Winter Blues
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a category of depression that emerges in different seasons of the year. Typically, people may experience symptoms in the fall that increase in the winter months due to changes in the weather, reduction in daylight hours and stress from the holidays.
If you are experiencing symptoms of SAD, talk with your physician to review options that may help, including:
- Psychotherapy
- Support groups
- Medication
- Light therapy
There are also lifestyle changes that can improve symptoms and help you cope, including:
- Increasing time outdoors
- Being physically active
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs
- Establishing healthy sleep and eating habits
- Practicing relaxation exercises
- Connecting with friends and family
- Volunteering with a cause you care about
- Avoiding isolation
Support groups bring together people who are experiencing similar issues to help with understanding and healing. Barton Health offers a variety of ongoing support groups in South Lake Tahoe.