How to Beat Winter Depression

Winter Depression also known as SAD, can be overcome with a few simple tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An open-mind
• Vitamins

1. Turn on the lights! Scientists believe that Winter Depression is linked to light. In the summer, we tend to be care-free and look for fun. In the fall, the days get shorter, we may feel we have less time to get things done before the sun sets, and disappointment about our lost summer-time could lead to depression. "Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)is a type of depression that tends to occur (and recur) as the days grow shorter in the fall and winter. It is believed that affected persons react adversely to the decreasing amounts of light and the colder temperatures as the fall and winter progress." ~Medicinenet.com. You can even talk to your doctor about special light boxes used to treat this condition. Getting some daylight doesn't hurt either. Try taking a walk at lunch or reading a book next to the window. Enjoy the daylight while the sun is up and find fun for yourself and your family when the nights grow longer.

2. 
    
   strawberries and milk

   Take your vitamins. Vitamin D (although not a true vitamin) is a nutrient that you absorb from foods and also the sun. With less sun in your day, the lack of vitamin D can affect your mood.
   
   Common symptoms of winter-onset SAD include the following:
   • A change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods
   • Weight gain
   • A drop in energy level
   • Fatigue
   • A tendency to oversleep
   • Difficulty concentrating
   • Irritability and anxiety
   • Increased sensitivity to social rejection
   • Avoidance of social situations and a loss of interest in the activities you used to enjoy ~familydoctor.org
   
   Taking vitamin D supplements or eating vitamin D rich foods (such as fish, milk, grains, and eggs) may help restore the balance in your body and brain.
   
   A vitamin B complex is also helpful for all sorts of mood and depression symptoms. About.com says, "Vitamin B12 is important to red blood cell formation, deficiency leads to an oxygen-transport problem known as pernicious anemia. This disorder can cause mood swings, paranoia, irritability, and confusion.
   
   Vitamin B1 is used to help convert glucose, or blood sugar, into fuel, and without it the brain rapidly runs out of energy. This can lead to fatigue, depression, irritability, anxiety"

3. Take care of yourself. Remember to take some Vitamin C as well. No one likes being sick or depressed! With Winter Depression, it's easy to be both. Try to avoid sugar and caffeine. Crashing from a sugar-high will only contribute to your sadness. Eat well, and exercise (even if it's just a few minutes a day). Avoiding illness and treating your body well will help you on your road to feeling better.

4. Try to have fun! When you're feeling depress, you may not want to be around others or do much of anything. But you'll have to PLAN to feel better by scheduling activities and giving yourself something to look forward to. See a midnight movie with friends, have a family game night, go on a haunted hay ride, or plan a spa day at home by lighting some candles and soaking in a bubble bath all by yourself. Winter Depression affects many people so know that you're not alone. With a little practice, you can be an example for others who deal with this condition. You may find yourself giving advice about that tricks and tips worked well for you in 2008!

Tips & Warnings

• Please ask your doctor before taking any vitamin supplements or herbs. Risks vary and can increase based on your personal health, age, and/or degree of depression.

[IcyCucky]

on 11/3/2008 Awesome! 5*