Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons —most often starting in the fall and continuing into the winter months.  The pandemic we are going through may add to the misery of Seasonal Affective Disorder, but we have strategies that can help! It’s important to line up resources that can be put in place now, so when your tank is already low, it doesn’t completely drop as we get into these months. 

• Create and follow a schedule that designates a time for sleep, meals, exercise and self-care. This provides a welcome sense of familiarity.
• Count the hours of sunlight as a reminder that seasonal depression is just that — seasonal.
• Take up indoor activities such as growing indoor plants, reading, writing letters and painting.  This can give you something to look forward to each day.
• Practice gratitude to help you feel more empowered and off-balance a sense of powerlessness that COVID has collectively provided our world.
• Get yourself some light therapy by going for a daily walk, opening blinds, turning on lights, or using a light therapy box which mimics outdoor light.
• Substitute cellphone scrolling with knitting.  Colors, patterns and the tactile feel of textures is more soothing to focus on.
•  Get physical activity.  An easy in-home option can be yoga.

Well In Mind is here for you.  Just call 815-933-2240, option #2 to schedule an appointment or to ask about your EAP benefits.