S.A.D: Ways to know you’re affected and How to best Manage It

This week Global News reported that diagnosis of mental health conditions have been continuously rising since the start of the pandemic and with a strain on medical services and resources growing tighter it can be difficult to get the help you need. This is particularly prominent during winter when many people experience S.A.D.

However, PsyMood can understand how difficult it can be to combat mental health struggles as well as settling into a new way of life, learning a new language and getting adjusted to new customs and is here to assist and educate you on understanding your mental health better to learn how to best combat negative thoughts.

What is S.A.D?

S.A.D or Seasonal Affective Disorder refers to the depression or low moods that someone experiences due to their environment and in particular the time of year. This is most common in winter when the weather is cold and dull, the days are shorter and therefore there are minimal amounts of sunlight.

How to know if you have S.A.D?

Although it is challenging to overcome, S.A.D affects up to 18 percent of Canada’s population each year and therefore it is manageable to diagnose and treat. Symptoms of S.A.D include, but are not limited to, low moods, lethargy, insomnia, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating and losing interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed. 

Ways to combat S.A.D 

Set a Routine

It is no secret that a routine is a great way to balance your day to day life and lift negative thoughts and reduce unproductive moods and that includes S.A.D. Ensuring you make the most out of daylight and set a routine that gives the opportunity to enjoy the sun and winding down in the dark evenings, a routine can enable you to embrace S.A.D so it is more your friend than foe.

Enjoy the Early Nights

Many people suffer with S.A.D due to dark nights and short days. But this doesn’t mean your plans have to stop. There are plenty of ways to embrace the evenings, whether that means a date night under the stars with a loved one, socializing out for dinner with friends or staying in with a good film or book in the name of self-care.

Journal and Talk it out

Low moods and depressive thoughts can often be a result of feeling overwhelming. Journaling is a psychologically proven effective method to help practice mindfulness and gratitude, as well as compartmentalize the stressful aspects of life. However, at PsyMood we understand that there is nothing like speaking to a mental health professional that can offer you tailored advice and methods to combat S.A.D and any other symptoms or diagnosis you may be experiencing.

PsyMood prides itself on providing online and affordable diverse mental health support for newcomers to Canada by matching our users to mental health specialists that understand their culture and speak their native language. You can start your FREE no-obligation introductory session today.