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Social Isolation

Understanding Social Isolation and Loneliness
  • April 25, 2023
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Understanding Social Isolation and Loneliness

Our relationships and connections with others are essential to our nature and crucial for a healthy and long life. The effects of social isolation and loneliness can lead to many severe physical and mental health issues.

The Hazards

Numerous studies indicate isolation’s effect on longevity exceeds that of smoking, lack of access to adequate care, obesity, or insufficient exercise. It can also increase stress levels, diminish sleep, and exacerbate anxiety and depression.

Social isolation and loneliness are consequential to every element of your mental health, from suicidal thoughts or attempts to difficulty focusing, accomplishing intricate or complex tasks, and unhealthy eating habits.

Every individual is different regarding how isolation and loneliness affect them. Each of us has our personal life experience that is unique to us, and these life experiences direct our responses to everything life throws at us, including loneliness and isolation.

The effects and remedies for loneliness and social isolation are not one-size-fits-all concepts but must focus on the individual’s experience and perceptions.

Are Social Isolation and Loneliness the Same Thing?

As a physical separation of an individual from others, social isolation is objective. On the other hand, loneliness is that uncomfortable feeling of abandonment and hopelessness and, therefore, subjective.

According to the latest U.S. Census, over 25% of Americans (more than ever before) are living alone. But this does not mean they are all lonely or suffering social isolation.

Some individuals seeking solitude may socially isolate themselves, which does not indicate loneliness.

Who Is at Risk?

The short answer to this question is “anyone.”

Losing a spouse or partner unexpectedly, retirement, loss of mobility, or any sudden and unforeseen tragedy or diagnosis can happen to anyone and are all potential causes of social isolation and loneliness. Lack of accessible transportation after such events can magnify our feelings and perceptions of loneliness and isolation.

One group at particular risk is older people, who may often feel they are no longer useful and productive contributors to their communities. These feelings diminish self-worth and only facilitate a downhill spiral leading to chronic loneliness.

Among its many significant health impacts, chronic loneliness can cause intensive fight-or-flight stimuli, adversely affecting the immune system. People enduring chronic loneliness have less protection, are more susceptible to disease, and suffer more inflammation than the general population.

What Can You Do?

Since there is no specific underlying cause for social isolation and loneliness, there are no simple answers either, meaning that any interventions must address the underlying issues and causes for that particular person.

For an individual suffering from isolation and loneliness, acknowledging the reality of their situation and reflecting on how their beliefs and perceptions are contributing to these issues is essential. Solving a problem is much easier when we can be truthful with ourselves and have an honest and clear understanding of our predicament.

But what strategies will help us overcome our loneliness and social isolation once we understand?

Stay Connected

Start, renew, or maintain relationships with people and groups you have some history with. The same goes for membership in special-interest or civic organizations and church or religious affiliations.

Keeping in touch with groups and people you have experience with can be the most straightforward solution to these vexing issues.

Explore Opportunities

Volunteering your services to support others is a fantastic strategy to help lift yourself out of isolation. Inventory your skills and interests to help determine the most rewarding venue for your volunteer efforts. Or, perhaps joining a support group or a community action organization is more your style. Finding new ways to forge new attitudes can be rewarding in more ways than one.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Spending time outside in natural sunlight can boost vitamin D levels, improve your mood, and benefits your physical and mental health. A little time in nature can go a long way in relieving stress and negative thoughts.

Take Care of Yourself

The stress of isolation and loneliness can interfere with your blood pressure, breathing, muscles, and much more. It is essential to counter stress with strategies like deep breathing, a warm bath, yoga, meditation, or whatever techniques or regimens work best in your situation.

Here are some additional ideas for moving past the crushing weight of social isolation and loneliness.

  • Join a Book Club
  • Engage with a Church Group
  • Revive Your Dreams and Goals
  • Develop a Comprehensive Exercise Plan
  • Take Some Classes/Learn a New Skill

Conclusion

No matter your station in life, social isolation, and loneliness can happen more quickly than you might think. None of us have a guarantee of tomorrow.

Finding yourself in a new and unfamiliar world of isolation and loneliness may be unimaginable today. Still, the rigors of life can make it a reality at the drop of a hat.

If you are suffering from loneliness and social isolation, talking to a therapist or psychologist can be very helpful in peeling back the layers and understanding how you might conquer your negative mindset and improve your situation.

 

For more articles, check out our blog!d

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social media

Mental Health and Social Media – What to Know
  • February 28, 2023
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Mental Health and Social Media – What to Know

Being social creatures, companionship, and connecting with others is essential and significantly impact our happiness and mental health. Social media connections can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting self-worth, comfort, and confidence.

Conversely, lacking these connections can lead to severe emotional and mental health issues like increased anxiety and depression, to name only two. And while social media platforms promise to deliver these connections, they cannot replicate human-to-human real-time interactions.

The tactile experience of in-person collaborations causes the release of hormones that increase happiness, reduce stress, and help you feel healthier and more positive. Excessive social media use can bring on anxiety and depression while delivering feelings of loneliness and isolation, potentially exacerbating existing mental health issues.

The Downside

Among its most insidious faults, comparing one’s life to the exciting social media postings of others is a significant source of anxiety, depression, and envy. Pictures of exotic vacations, expensive toys, stunning physiques, and other enticing messages can trigger a negative emotional response.

Along with these unhealthy comparisons, cyberbullying and self-absorption lurk everywhere. Your impulse control is under constant assault from incessant notifications and the Fear of Missing out (FO MO).

Sleep

Research shows that social media users go to bed later, sleep worse and get less sleep, especially nighttime users. Screen time at night can stimulate your brain at a time when you want to relax and fall asleep.

Lack of sleep can pose serious health risks and inhibits our ability to function well in our daily lives. It is a problem you should take seriously.

Be Aware

It’s critical that each of us understand the potential pitfalls of these and make conscious decisions about our usage of these platforms. Otherwise, we risk this technology taking over our lives and steering us away from the people and things that are truly important.

Many individuals escape to social media as their “security blanket” to avoid anxious or awkward feelings, loneliness, or uncomfortable situations. We see it every day – people are seemingly obsessed with their devices and unable to communicate in real time.

If this sounds like you, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate how you spend your time.

What Are the Pluses?

It isn’t all bad; a lot of good things are available on these platforms.

Special interests abound on social media. You can find a support group for virtually any health condition, pets of all types, hobbies, professions, service groups, you name it, and you will find it somewhere online.

Almost anything you can do in the real world and many things you cannot are there to discover.

And perhaps most important is the connection social media can provide for families and friends to stay in touch across the miles. You can share pictures of grandchildren, vacations, gatherings, significant lifetime achievements, and everything that makes life available instantly, no matter where you are.

Final Thoughts

Social media platforms aim to keep you engaged for as long as possible and employ technologies that seem to foster a form of addiction. Many become obsessive users and find it virtually impossible to break their compulsive behavior.

So, what can you do to break your existing habit or avoid falling into the social media trap?

It all comes down to how you use and interact with these platforms.

What priority do they play in your life?

Like anything, social media can be a blessing or a curse.
It all depends on you and your choices.

 

Check out more of our blogs here.

 

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Two seniors on a stroll

How to maintain your mental health as a Senior
  • February 14, 2022
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Maintaining golden-age health and vitality can be pretty challenging. Even more, your mental health, especially as more and more seniors suffer from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, muscle dystrophy, etc.

Nonetheless, taking care of your mental well-being in your golden age can be fun and less burdensome if you know the right tips. This blog post will enlighten you with four essential tips for maintaining your mental health as a senior. So read on to learn more!

  • Eat more golden-age friendly foods

Good nutrition is essential for maintaining overall health, your mind inclusive. The reason is that your brain needs energy from food to function effectively. Essentially, your brain derives its primary nutrients from glucose, a metabolic byproduct of carbohydrate digestion. As a result, your diet should include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meat, and healthy fats.

Additionally, you should avoid highly processed foods and trans fats as you age. The idea is to eat more natural foods for a healthy mind while in your golden years.

  • Stay properly hydrated

Your body is made up of 75% water. Also, it would help if you had more water and fluids in your system to maintain your inner transport or circulation. When poorly hydrated, you predispose your brain to shock, leading to a coma. It helps to know that your mind is an integral part of your body. Your mind is what makes you, you. 

Suppose you find plain water unpalatable. There are other ways to spice up your drinking water so that you’re more motivated to drink more. You can add fruit slices to flavor your water. Alternatively, you can consume more tea and eat more citrus fruits. That way, you’re indirectly hydrating without dealing with the bland taste of plain water. 

  • Keep your mind engaged in your golden years.

Usually, your mind is the first recipient of the golden-age call. A big part of enjoying your golden years is when your mind remains active. As a result, you should get into the habit of learning. Read books, watch worthwhile videos, learn a skill, a game, etc. For example, if you like music, you could play an instrument. 

The more new things you know, the more neurons your brain develops through a process called neuroplasticity. This way, you keep your mind young and sharp. So join that chess club today!

Alternatively, you can engage in helpful conversations with others and maintain an active social life. What’s more? Several young people will be interested in learning from your life’s story.

  • Get adequate golden-age physical exercise.

Physical exercise is not exclusive to professional athletes and younger people who want to look sexy. Exercise is beneficial to everyone regardless of their age. As a result, getting older doesn’t stop you from getting adequate training. 

Additionally, you should engage more in golden-age exercise to ward off bone diseases, like arthritis and other golden-age-related diseases. Exercise also puts you in a great mood because it lifts your spirit. Several methods exist for seniors to get plenty of exercise like walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, dancing, etc. 

Conclusion

Getting older is both a privilege and a blessing. As a result, a sharp mind will assist you in looking back through life and passing on your wisdom and experiences to the younger generation. While there are other methods to keep your mind sharp as you age, we hope this article gives you an excellent head start.

 

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Pregnancy

Tips for improving mental wellbeing during pregnancy
  • January 21, 2022
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Many expectant mothers experience pregnancy blues which significantly affect their mental wellbeing. The reasons for the emotional roller coaster when expecting is not specific. However, there are effective strategies that you can apply to keep you upbeat during pregnancy.  

Whether it is your first pregnancy or not, there is no telling how your body and mind respond to this significant physiological change. As a result, this blog post will enlighten you on the top tips to improve your mental wellbeing during pregnancy. Here they are:

Never underestimate the efficacy of support

Everyone needs a support system, especially when you feel you can’t hold it all together. While the prenatal hormones might sometimes wreak havoc on your emotions, support groups help walk you through it. You can associate with other expectant mothers to talk about their journeys. 

Additionally, have your family close. The love and support of your partner and loved ones are always comforting. Essentially, having someone or people to talk to is all you need to build the right support system. 

Practice healthy eating for better mental wellbeing

During pregnancy, your body’s dietary needs increase. As a result, you may experience increased cravings. However, it is essential to pay attention to the foods you consume. Eat more foods the earth naturally provides and cut down on fast foods or processed foods.

Sure, there will be those days when you have a violent ice cream or cake craving. However, while it’s okay to indulge occasionally, you should be careful not to make a habit of it. You could check in with your nutritionist to work on meal plans so that your body is getting the required nutrition to care for the baby.

Get plenty of rest

Several women suffer from increased blood pressure during pregnancy because the body is pretty vulnerable at this time. However, knowing how to deal with stress is essential for your prenatal mental health. Also, whether or not you are working-class, women tend to overdo it–with career and home management. As a result, getting plenty of rest is critical to securing your mental and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy.

Generally, doctors recommend adequate sleep for the expectant mother and may sometimes place you on bed rest if things get out of hand. Alternatively, you can also engage in other activities like meditation, mindfulness, or reading to help you relax. The whole idea is to, as much as possible, slow down your heart rate and put you in that restful state of being. 

Boost your mental wellbeing by staying physically active

Physical exercise is another pregnancy essential to improve your mental health. The reason is that exercise helps release the feel-good hormones, which act as powerful natural antidepressants. Yes, pregnant women need exercise too! You can engage in prenatal yoga, swimming, dancing, and even light running. Whatever exercise strategy you choose to follow, always check in with your health care professional before beginning. 

Medical health helps your prenatal mental wellbeing

You will most likely give birth in the hospital under the careful supervision of a healthcare professional. As a result, it is vital to get registered in a hospital or health center when you realize that you are expecting. That way, you have access to antenatal classes and medication which you should never skip.

Final thought

Although pregnancy can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be for you if you actively take steps to secure your mental wellbeing. Before making any lifestyle changes, talk to your healthcare professional, as pregnancy is a highly delicate stage in life.

 

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vitamin d and mental health

Vitamin D and Mental Health
  • July 22, 2021
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Why Everyone is Craving Vitamin D 

Most people understand the importance of consuming various vitamins; however, many people are not getting enough Vitamin D and it can affect their mental health. This vitamin is called the sunshine vitamin because most people can get what they need directly from the sun. The body produces Vitamin D from sunlight. Numerous people do not get enough sunlight on a regular basis, so luckily it is also available by consuming certain things. Vitamin D deficiency is becoming more apparent because people are spending way more time inside. Some people also choose to take supplements with the vitamin in it.

Why Vitamin D

Most people instantly associate Vitamin D with bone health; however Vitamin D does so much more. There are several processes that Vitamin D helps in. One of the most important functions of the vitamin is the regulation of the absorption of phosphorous and calcium. It also helps with immune system function. It is imperative for healthy bones and teeth. It also helps to combat certain diseases. If the body is unable to get enough of the D vitamin the risk for abnormal bones increase.

Vitamin D Helps to Regulate Mood

Vitamin D is described as a natural mood regulator. Sometimes a change in attitude and outlook is because the vitamin is lacking. In fact, when someone is missing this important vitamin, they may become depressed. Some people who do not get enough Vitamin D on a daily basis, become more anxious. It is suggested that adults get 2000 IU of Vitamin D each day. Some doctors recommend getting Vitamin D levels checked to ensure enough of the vitamin is being taken each day.

vitamin d foods

How to Get Enough Vitamin D

There are several ways to ensure that enough Vitamin D is taken on a daily basis.

One way is to ensure that at least ten to thirty minutes each day is spent directly in the sun. This can help to increase D3 levels. If natural sunlight is not an option due to time or location, purchasing a therapy lamp is another great option. Another way to get Vitamin D in daily is by the food eaten. Some good food options are salmon, tuna, milk, eggs and mushrooms. Supplements are another great way to increase Vitamin D levels. It is important to review exactly how much Vitamin D is in the supplement because there can be quite a range.

Vitamin D is very important to keep the body functioning properly. If anyone is having trouble with their anxiety or depression getting more Vitamin D may help. 

 

See our blog for more topics on mental health.

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perspective

Developing Perspective
  • May 31, 2021
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The Power of Perspective 

Everyone knows that individuals have their own personal strengths and weaknesses. Some people are incredibly kind, and others might be especially brave. But there is a virtue that many people overlook, and it’s actually one of the most important.  Here we talk about developing perspective and how to see things differently. 

What is Perspective?

Individuals who are high in their perspective skill are generally full of wisdom. They’re able to see the forest through the trees and can use their knowledge and life experiences to have a balanced view of any situation or scenario. In other words, they’re able to tell when the “glass is half full or half empty”. 

Perspective is an important skill to have because it bridges the gap between cognitive ability and empathetic feeling. It’s an essential virtue that allows individuals to use their strengths in both a social and logical context. 

Benefits of Developing Perspective

People who have lofty perspective skills are generally better able to learn from their mistakes, as well as accept and repent for the consequences of their actions. 

Other benefits to having high perspective include: 

  • Generally able to give sage advice
  • Linked to wellbeing in older adults (physically and socioeconomically)

How to Improve Perspective

The development of perspective skills has been linked to cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy is helpful in identifying and diminishing negative thoughts, and refocusing that energy on managing emotions. Having and keeping perspective in mind can help counteract anxiety, depression, and general negativity. 

There are other ways to develop perspective other than therapy. In fact, one of the easiest ways to do so is to approach situations with the following questions: 

  • What’s the best/worst thing that could happen here? Now, what’s most likely?
  • What are other people thinking and feeling that I might not be?
  • Will this matter tomorrow, next week, or next year?

Keeping these questions in mind when dealing with hard situations can help turn anyone into a well-rounded, highly perspective person. 

Other Skills to Use 

perspective

While perspective is a really important skill, it’s not the be-all-end-all of personal virtues. That being said, it can be considered a signature strength because it can help improve and strengthen other skills. 

The strengths that developing perspective can help improve include, but are not limited to:

  • Positivity
  • Decision Making
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Forgiveness

Perspective Out of Balance

People who overuse their perspective skills are often seen as preachy, and the amount of insight they’re giving is usually unwanted and unappreciated. On the other hand, people who lack in their perspective skills can come across as disconnected or emotionally unavailable. 

 

If you find yourself feeling to off balance, talk to someone.  We can always help. 

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meaningful work environment

Enabling a Meaningful Work Environment 
  • May 25, 2021
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Enabling a Meaningful Work Environment 

A Meaningful Work Environment 

Creating a meaningful workplace is becoming more and more important to employers. When employees are engaged in a meaningful work environment, they will feel more motivated and satisfied. Ultimately, this will lead to an overall increase in productivity and quality of services. Employers should be conscious of the dynamic they are creating in the workplace through their leadership choices. There have been many studies conducted on best practices for making a more meaningful work environment. Listed below are a few ideas of how to create a more meaningful work environment. 

Create a Shared Goal 

Employers should make it a point to make sure all of their employees are on the same page about their organizations’ shared goals and outcomes. Creating a higher purpose will give employees daily motivation. It will also keep employees connected. Having a shared goal can decrease conflict within the work environment. When everyone is working for a common purpose, collaboration and cooperation may come much easier. The shared goal should be known by every employee in the organization, regardless of role. This goal should be connected to the overall impact of the company on the larger society. 

Reinforce Prosocial Behaviors 

meaningful work environmentProsocial behaviors are behaviors that support others. In the workplace, this can look like giving “kudos” to someone on work performance, collaborating successfully, and stepping in when needed. If an employer places prosocial behaviors as a priority, employees are more likely to make prosocial behaviors a priority. When prosocial behaviors are a part of the everyday work environment, people tend to enjoy going to work more. When employees have the “it’s not my job” mentality, tension or division may be created. Employers should find ways to incorporate prosocial values into a reward system. Some organizations choose to incorporate them into evaluations, yearly rewards/bonuses, and even mentoring programs. 

Prioritize Mental Health 

Mental Health is beginning to come to the forefront of workplace jargon. Depending on your industry, your employees’ mental health can directly impact their career performance. Organizations are beginning to see the importance of mental health, and its role in it. Employers should brainstorm ways to positively add to their employees’ mental health. Employers can provide extra breaks, less workload, and even more vacation time if possible. Some organizations even offer a stipend for a gym membership. Every company is different, but the employees’ mental health should be the main concern no matter what. 

 

If you are finding you need some extra reassurance, contact our office here. 

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spring hope

Spring can Give us New Hope 
  • March 31, 2021
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Spring can give us new Hope 

Spring brings us back to nature, calms our tired bodies, lifts up our spirits and fills up our sail with warm winds. Spring and hope are entangled in the soul. Mind, and body, during spring, nature combine with psychology and biology to sparkle the basic wants which inspire hope: mastery, attachment, spirituality and survival. Seasons can go with the reward of hope which greets us during the spring.

Descriptions of hope in the spring season

Here are some examples of hope in metaphors

A Healing property

Hope is flaunted as the best medicine. The hope of a patient is a secret weapon to the doctor. Hopeful patients are believed to be the secret weapon to whichever prescription they are given for their disease. Hopeful feelings have a true and quantifiable impact on health. Just like spring, hope is a powerful helper in maintaining health as well as recovering from diseases. People who were more optimistic were not as much likely to ignore doses of medicine and were rated as more dedicated to maintaining their health.

A bridge

Spring offers a bridge from the desolate winter darkness to the dazzling warmness of summer. Hope is equated to a bridge which can transport a person from darkness to light, from enslavement to liberty, and from wickedness to salvation. The curative potential of spring is indisputable, from the reduction of Seasonal Affective Disorder to the rise in Vitamin D production. 

Light and Heat

Spring comes with additional light and heat also, at times it comes after a dark and cold day. The increased light results in a lot of indirect and direct effects, which helps in elevating our mood and bring about hope. Increased exercises, as well as the bodily related but psychologically different activities of farming and gardening, are some of the indirect outcomes of spring on elevating our mood.

A havenspring

Hope can as well refer to as safe harbor or refuge. The Oxford English Dictionary had the original meaning of hope “a secluded island in the center of a desert”. Therefore, the very least we can do in this life is to discover what our hopes are. Additionally, the most we can do is to stay in that hope. Don’t admire hope from far; live just inside it.

Mind descriptions

Metaphors can disclose the interior structure of personal feelings. For instance, when we talk about “high hopes”, we try to reveal something regarding the phenomenology of experiencing hope, which is “cheerful”, “inspiring”, even “energizing.”

The world awakens during the spring season. Having been still, grey, and frosty throughout the winter season, there are new noises, things to see, flavors, and smells all coming from the natural world.  There comes a call to action, commitment and motivation to a fresh beginning in each of us. It is very simple to relate the spring day feelings to the positive features of hope.

 

If you find yourself needing help in this season, contact us. 

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motivate yourself

How to Motivate Yourself Again
  • March 18, 2021
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Tips for Self-Motivation

If you can psych yourself up, there is no need of visiting a therapist. However, dealing with emotional hurdles is quite challenging, and this can interfere with how things are done, meaning it is harder to motivate yourself. Frustrations come through procrastinations because they distract you from the real things to tarnish the motivation. Therefore, you can have certain motivational boosters that will keep you moving. Regardless of whatever efforts, habits, and passion you portray, without showing good spirit for the job, things might still not work well for you. The article herein describes some ideas to get you motivated.

Deconstruct the Fears

Fear is the condition that triggers procrastination, and you would like to get things done on time. Therefore, try to eliminate anxieties and fears because they deviate your attention to the real issues. Fear might come from unknown things, and so you need to gather sufficient confidence to counter them. This way, you can handle all the scenarios to ensure you stand strong even in situations where you do not know everything. When exploring a given project, you can research properly in advance to cover the challenging issues, and this will motivate you to see out the operation.

Find a Partner

At times of stumbling, you need someone to push you and tell you that you can make it. They fight laziness and help to tackle serious issues by giving ideas to get you motivated always. It does not have to be a wife or husband; it can be friends or other individuals you look up to. Out of respect, you should always listen to them, and your work will never stall because they are on you reminding you of the target. These people will never let you quit, instead, they will hasten you to achieve the dreams no matter the prevailing conditions.

you got thisBuild on Success

No matter the challenges a business experiences, it has some success factors that can be carried forward, therefore, always start small. Therefore, you should be optimistic and be happy with the proceedings and take away whatever pleases you. Any win, no matter the magnitude should be appreciated and you will be motivated to go for more wins. Always start small because these things will trigger bigger success, and so celebrations should become a part of your operations. Looking back to see the minor achievements will motivate you later. Make a checklist of the things you want to do for success to come by, and for sure you will be motivated by the goal ahead.

Mind about the Small Challenges

Failure should not be tolerated under whatever circumstances because it can leave you feeling down. Therefore, you should not assume the minor issues because they can build up to become outrageous and uncontrollable. Handle everything head-on as soon as it happens because it might erupt to become a bigger challenge that interferes with your motivation levels.

 

If you need more help, contact us. 

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winter blues

Overcoming the Winter Blues
  • January 29, 2021
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Overcoming the Winter Blues

When days become shorter, cloudier, and colder, the “winter blues” set in for many people. This condition is known as seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.).

What is S.A.D.? It is a form of depression that usually begins in fall and lasts through winter. Less commonly, symptoms may begin in spring and last through summer.

It affects about 10 million Americans (80 percent of whom are women), with another 10 to 20 percent experiencing milder episodes. The age of onset is typically between ages 18 and 30.

What are the Causes?

The precise answer to the question “What is S.A.D.?” is unknown, but experts believe that winter S.A.D. is related to reduced sun exposure, creating:

  • Lower Vitamin D levels and internal body-clock disruption
  • Reduced serotonin, a natural mood-elevating brain chemical
  • Increased melatonin, a natural sleep-cycle elevating brain chemical

What are the Symptoms of the Winter Blues?

The following indicators might begin mildly but increase in intensity as winter progresses:

  • Depression throughout most of the day
  • Reduced energy, fatigue
  • Lack of concentration
  • Sleeping too much
  • Weight gain
  • Changes in appetite, especially craving sweet or starchy foods
  • Feelings of hopelessness or sadness
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Irritability
  • Decreased physical activity
  • Feelings of heaviness in limbs
  • Suicidal thoughts

winter bluesWho is at Risk?

Anyone can experience winter blues, also known as S.A.D., but it is most common in:

  • Women
  • Those with (or having family members with) other mental health issues
  • Those living far from the equator

What Treatments are Available?

Self-care is highly useful for the prevention and treatment of S.A.D. Try doing these things: 

  • Engage in physical activity. This improves physical fitness, sleep patterns, and raises endorphin and serotonin levels for increased self-esteem.
  • Spend time outdoors. Sunlight elevates Vitamin D levels. But, even if it is cloudy, get outside! Natural daylight is still helpful.
  • Maintain an awareness of mood and energy level. Try to approach the cold weather positively. A good attitude makes a big difference.   

Beyond self-care, treatment options include:

  • Light therapy. Broad-band light therapy engages artificial light as an alternative to natural sunlight. This involves the use of a light-box or visor for a designated period of time each day.
  • Psychotherapy. Speaking with a licensed professional is a proven effective method of treatment.
  • Medication. Your mental health provider can make recommendations including traditional antidepressants prescribed for similar diagnoses.

If left untreated, seasonal affective disorder can lead to problems at school or work, substance abuse, eating disorders, or other issues affecting quality of life.

You are not alone, and help is at your fingertips.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms or suicidal thoughts, contact a medical professional immediately.

Contact us to see how we can help.

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