If you feel lower moods than you usually do during the winter months but perk up the rest of the year, you could have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This type of depression typically occurs during late fall or early winter—when daylight hours at non-tropical latitudes are reduced—and generally improves when spring arrives.
If you feel down this time of year, you might find one or more of these options helpful.
Focus on Overall Wellness
Focusing on wellness helps support your mental health during the winter months. Stay active, eat healthfully, get enough sleep and make time for family and friends.
Find Something to Laugh About
Laughter is an easy way to help overcome stress. When you laugh, your body releases endorphins that may even help with depression.
Find Someone to Laugh With
What’s the key to laughing more? One research study scientifically demonstrated an important observation: people = laughter. Laughter is 30 times more frequent in social situations than during alone time. People in the company of others who are laughing are more likely to laugh as well. Schedule time with family and friends if you need a mood booster.
Make Your Own Sunlight
Supplemental vitamin D or light therapy may help counter the effects of less exposure to sunlight.
Talk to an Expert
A mental health clinician may help you cope with seasonal changes that affect emotions or behavior, and some people benefit from taking a prescribed and monitored antidepressant medication.
Additional Resources
- Guided Meditation: A Daily Exercise to Reduce the Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Your Life
- 5 Ways to Stay Active in Winter
- Healthy Foods for Cold Weather
- Are You Experiencing Situational Depression?
Medically reviewed by Jennifer Redding, LCSW-C, Executive Director of Behavioral Health at UM Upper Chesapeake Health.
