Tips to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder

SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) –

The cold and general lack of sunlight can do more than make some people feel down. It can make them chronically miserable. If this sounds like you, it could be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

“I think it can be dangerous for a lot of people who feel disconnected, hopeless, or isolated,” said Barb Smith, president and founder of the Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network.

The heart of winter can be unforgiving for those who have SAD.

Smith shared some signs of SAD to look for.

“It’s really a sense of sadness, isolation, not motivated, not feeling connected, maybe not eating, or just sleeping all the time,” said Smith.

Smith said you should never try to self-diagnose SAD. Seek professional help to determine if counseling, medication, or an environment change is needed.

Smith said if you are feeling down, there are ways to try and feel better.

“Whether it’s just watching a comedy show, opening up your curtains, just stepping outside, just taking a deep breath of fresh air even though it can be cloudy out,” said Smith. “Just taking a big breath inhaling the fresh air from outdoors gets your serotonin going in your brain.”

Spending time with friends, going to the movie theater, and working on a project are other options. Smith said this is a hard season for a lot of people now that the holidays are over, so it is important for them to find ways to stay connected.

“No one has to die because they feel alone,” said Smith. “There is an awful lot of help out there. They just have to be willing to make that one call to that one person.”

If you need help, you can call or text 988, the Suicide and Life Crisis Lifeline, for resources or someone to talk to.

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Krisna Dwi Wardhana

Lahir di Padang pada tahun 1991, saya telah tinggal di berbagai wilayah di Indonesia sejak TK hingga kuliah, termasuk Aceh, Palembang, dan Bogor. Saya meraih gelar Sarjana Sains dari FMIPA Universitas Indonesia. Saat ini, saya bekerja sebagai Pendidik di sebuah sekolah swasta di Bogor, Tutor privat sambil tetap fokus mengembangkan Bisakimia.

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