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Key Takeaways
Winter is coming.
Overall, it can feel bleak.
According toMental Health America, about 5% of people experience seasonal depression a year.
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It may occur due to a reduction in serotonin and an increase inmelatoninboth due to less sunlight.
The odds of experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD) increase the further a person lives from the equator.
Symptoms often mirror general depression, including lethargy, lower libido, and hopelessness.
However, winter occupies three to five months of the year, depending on where you live.
Weather, schedule changes, social opportunities, and even aesthetics can affect ones mood.
Taish Malone, a licensed professional counselor withMindpath Health.
Many times, feelings of dread and outlook have the largest impact on how we experience things.
Ready to fight back againstSAD?
Here are mental health professional-backed techniques for fortifying yourself in the winter months.
Prioritize Scheduled Activities
When its cold and dark, motivation can be challenging to find.
Tynessa Franks, a clinical psychologist with her own private practice.
Making definitive plans to see others can also help with another symptom of SAD and depression: hopelessness.
As a parent, getting back into the school rhythm can be challenging and wear you down.
The same is true for anyone suddenly inundated with holidays, says Malone.
Be aware of these other factors when analyzing how you feel.
Symptoms tend to intensify in November and continue through the winter months.
According to Lurie, conditions such as bipolar disorder may increase the likelihood of experiencing SAD.
Malone further encourages individuals to seek professional care if the winter months mark difficult anniversaries ofgriefor trauma.
