Its that time of year when we can feel a little cold snap in the air. Summer is over and winter is on our doorstep!! Every year when the weather turns cool and the daylight hours dwindle there are some people that experience the winter blues which can turn into a type of depression.
WHAT ARE THE WINTER BLUES?
The winter blues is also known as Seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year exhibit symptoms of depression at the same time each year, most commonly during winter. People may sleep too much or have little energy.
SYMPTOMS
SAD is a type of major depressive disorder , and people that suffer from it may exhibit any of the associated symptoms of depression, such as feeling hopeless and worthless, thoughts of suicide, loss of interest in activities, withdrawal from social interaction, sleep and appetite problems, difficulty with concentrating and making decisions, decreased libido, a lack of energy, or agitation. Symptoms of winter SAD often include oversleeping or difficulty waking up in the morning, nausea, and a tendency to over eat, often with a craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain.
TIPS ON AVOIDING THE WINTER BLUES
Get outside
If you can, try to spend as much time as you can outdoors during daylight hours. Many people tend to remain indoors during the cold weather in an attempt to keep warm. Spending time outdoors, being active is a great way to lift your mood and you will be amazed at how your body will actually adapt to the colder weather!
Wear bright colours
Have you ever noticed how a lot of people wear dark coloured clothes during winter? It can be a little bit depressing. Wearing colourful clothes and surrounding yourself with colourful things can actually help to lift your mood!
Spend time with positive people
Spending time with negative people can become very draining and can eventually have a negative impact on your mood! Past studies have shown that the people that you spend time with actually influence you more than you realise! People that spend time with happy, positive, energetic people are more likely to be happy themselves!
Exercise
You probably know that exercise is great for your physical health but did you know it is also great for your mental health? We understand that when you are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed you really just want to snuggle up in front of the TV and never leave the house…… the last thing you feel like doing os exercising!! But it’s often when you least feel like it that you most need it!
Eat well
Did you know that eating well and looking after your body can help make you feel great both physically and mentally? In fact, the food you eat plays a vital role in maintaining your physical and mental well being. Eating a well nourished, balanced diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables.
SWAN VALLEY PSYCHOLOGY
Swan Valley Psychology Centre provides a highly professional clinical psychology service and also a high standard of care to our clients. We are experienced in diagnosing and treating people that suffer from depression or anxiety. If you are concerned that you or someone you know are suffering from depression, get in contact with us or contact your GP. It is important to understand that there is effective treatment and support available for depression. Contact us on ph 08 9379 3580 or email Christina@svpc.com.au
The winter blues is also known as Seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year exhibit symptoms of depression at the same time each year, most commonly during winter. People may sleep too much or have little energy.
SYMPTOMS
SAD is a type of major depressive disorder , and people that suffer from it may exhibit any of the associated symptoms of depression, such as feeling hopeless and worthless, thoughts of suicide, loss of interest in activities, withdrawal from social interaction, sleep and appetite problems, difficulty with concentrating and making decisions, decreased libido, a lack of energy, or agitation. Symptoms of winter SAD often include oversleeping or difficulty waking up in the morning, nausea, and a tendency to over eat, often with a craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain.
TIPS ON AVOIDING THE WINTER BLUES
Get outside
If you can, try to spend as much time as you can outdoors during daylight hours. Many people tend to remain indoors during the cold weather in an attempt to keep warm. Spending time outdoors, being active is a great way to lift your mood and you will be amazed at how your body will actually adapt to the colder weather!
Wear bright colours
Have you ever noticed how a lot of people wear dark coloured clothes during winter? It can be a little bit depressing. Wearing colourful clothes and surrounding yourself with colourful things can actually help to lift your mood!
Spend time with positive people
Spending time with negative people can become very draining and can eventually have a negative impact on your mood! Past studies have shown that the people that you spend time with actually influence you more than you realise! People that spend time with happy, positive, energetic people are more likely to be happy themselves!
Exercise
You probably know that exercise is great for your physical health but did you know it is also great for your mental health? We understand that when you are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed you really just want to snuggle up in front of the TV and never leave the house…… the last thing you feel like doing os exercising!! But it’s often when you least feel like it that you most need it!
Eat well
Did you know that eating well and looking after your body can help make you feel great both physically and mentally? In fact, the food you eat plays a vital role in maintaining your physical and mental well being. Eating a well nourished, balanced diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables.
SWAN VALLEY PSYCHOLOGY
Swan Valley Psychology Centre provides a highly professional clinical psychology service and also a high standard of care to our clients. We are experienced in diagnosing and treating people that suffer from depression or anxiety. If you are concerned that you or someone you know are suffering from depression, get in contact with us or contact your GP. It is important to understand that there is effective treatment and support available for depression. Contact us on ph 08 9379 3580 or email Christina@svpc.com.au
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