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Seasonal depression is a treatable condition. Here are some tips from an expert on how to overcome it…
Time change, shorter days, uncertain weather, yellowing trees, there is no doubt, autumn is here. Like the leaves that gradually fall, our morale takes off to land at the bottom of the gutters. Drowned in a thick fog, the light fades and here we are, left to endure the start of early evenings. While many are grateful for the heat having left us, others mourn the lack of light. It is largely because of this phenomenon linked to the change of rhythm that seasonal depression, specific to autumn and winter, declares itself. A disease that fortunately can be cured.
Seasonal depression, which occurs at the beginning of autumn, is characterized by very distinct symptoms, the intensity of which varies depending on the person affected. Decreased pleasure, irritability, severed social ties, etc. These are all signs that are unmistakable and, once identified, are likely to fade or even disappear completely.
A specialist in behavioral disorders and a professional psychologist, Robin Bastien shares his perspective on this depression and gives us five ways to avoid (or combat) it.
1. Observe yourself
As our specialist mentions, it is important to be able to make our “self-observation diary”. In other words, it is about making a list of what we like to do, the activities that give us pleasure and those that weigh us down. Knowing how to observe ourselves means learning to know our desires, to target our moods and to understand what makes us unhappy in order to ” anticipate some of our reactions “ he explains in Vif Weekend. This way, it will be easier to fill our daily lives and avoid episodes of temporary depression.
2. Set small goals
“Reinforcing” activities become rarer during seasonal depression. Indeed, when autumn returns, we have an unfortunate tendency to let go of what motivates us and fills us up. However, these activities are part of an effective way to combat low morale; they make our days more positive and bring enthusiasm back into the air. If gardening is one of our hobbies but in this transition period it seems too heavy, it is better to divide the time we devote to it. Keeping this activity as a source of joy but being able to put less energy into it at one time is the secret to a successful fitness recovery.
3. Socialize
Yes, the gray sky distances us from others. Weariness and fatigue are the major symptoms of seasonal depression, they dominate our moods and often paralyze us in a more or less sought-after solitude. However, to combat the breakdowns of autumn, social relationships are welcome. “We are social beings and [that ] we need to talk with others and share things” adds Robin Bastien.
4. Eat healthy
One of the major problems of this seasonal illness is hyperphagia. This eating disorder causes us to eat more and gain weight, especially when the weather gets colder, the days get shorter and the light gets dimmer. Once this is established, it is essential to become aware of your diet and find a form of stability. Eating a balanced diet, without necessarily implementing a drastic diet, seems to be one of the best ways to get through this difficult period.
5. Practice physical activity
Twenty minutes of walking every day, a useful and healthy tip to stay in shape. Outdoor sports will help us to bring light into our daily lives and to combat possible weight gain. Walking alone or accompanied allows us to get some sun, to fill up on it and to reconnect with the world around us.
Let’s not wait until the end of winter to show off our best smiles, to enjoy simple pleasures and to get rid of the bad vibes of a time that is inevitably changing!
