What is Seasonal Affective Disorder and how do I deal with it?

Seasonal affective disorder, commonly known as seasonal depression, is a type of depression that typically occurs during winter, as it gets colder and there’s less sunlight. It is different from major depressive disorder since, as its name would suggest, it's tied to the seasons rather than being consistent throughout the year. 

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A great way to help reduce the effects is to expose yourself to sunlight. If you live in a place that does not get much sunlight during the winter, there are UV lights that you can buy that mimic outdoor sunlight. It might sound weird, but you’d be surprised by the effect that some natural light can have on your mood. 

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It’s also important to be patient with yourself and remember that it can be normal to lose some motivation and energy during the winter since it is generally darker, colder and a busy time of the year. If you are concerned that you may have seasonal depression or just want some mental health resources to support you through a winter funk, chat with a member of the Caraway Care Team.

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