Depression

While many people extol the joys of autumn foliage and are excited about “sweater weather,” those who have struggled with seasonal depression may be less enthusiastic about the changing seasons. However, knowing that you have dealt with seasonal depression in the past, you can prepare yourself for the season. 6 Ways to Prepare for Seasonal Depression Here are six ways to prepare yourself to handle the winter blues. Supplements and medications Stock up on vitamin D and talk to your doctor about any prescription medications you may need. Anti-depressants can take some time to work up to their full strength. If you don’t take anti-depressants in the sunnier months, talk to your doctor about starting your prescription before winter’s darkness hits. Adding a vitamin D supplement is also helpful when the sunshine no longer pierces the clouds with its rays. Light therapy Speaking of sunshine, consider purchasing sunshine lamps. You can use one at home or work to boost your mood. Have fun Make some fun plans for the gloomy seasons. When you have something to look forward to, it makes the long nights more bearable. See a movie in the theater, make lunch dates with friends, plan a game night, buy some books you have wanted to read or plan an old-fashioned weekly watch party of a TV show rather than a straight binge. Create a space you love to be in Hygge up your personal space. The Scandinavian concept of hygge took the US by storm during COVID-19, and plenty of excellent tips can make your home or office more comfortable during the colder, darker time of year. Stock up on teas, coffee, or cocoa. Have blankets at the ready. Research recipes that make you excited to stay in and cook. Make a playlist of music that [...]

Depression can remove you from your life. It steals your happiness and the love you feel for hobbies and interests. Depression robs you of your relationships and places a strain on your job. The good news is that you were not created to live depressed. There are ways you can beat depression. Overcoming depression is possible. Start by trying a few of the suggestions listed below. What is depression? Depression is a persistent sadness. Unlike the occasional sadness and disappointment one may feel, someone struggling with depression may not know why they feel that way. It could be that they are processing grief, have experienced a life change, have a brain chemical imbalance, or are genetically predisposed toward depression. Seeking help from a counselor may be precisely what you need to get to the root of your depression. A counselor can teach you psychological techniques and skills. Overcoming depression starts with making a few lifestyle changes. 7 Tips for Overcoming Depression The following are tips for lifestyle tweaks you can start today for overcoming depression. Try each one and take note of how you feel. You may need to practice one daily for a few weeks to notice a significant difference. Some activities may make you feel better right away. If you want more ideas, consider asking a counselor for suggestions. Lifestyle adjustments are often the easiest and least expensive ways to beat depression in the long run. Often, focusing on getting healthy from the inside out relieves depression symptoms. Go outside In the busy, hectic world of technological devices, we often need to remember to go outside and enjoy nature. Getting sunshine and vitamin D can boost our mood. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for mood, cognition, and memory. Sunshine triggers serotonin in the brain. Try eating lunch [...]