Seasonal Affective Disorder: Tips and Tricks to Help Fight the Funk
By Brooke Manuel, Skyline Editor
ALPINE - Although the topic of mental health is more mainstream nowadays, society could better educate us on mental illnesses and how to keep ourselves from falling into that funk that we all know, especially during this time of year when many people are suffering from seasonal affective disorder.
Seasonal affective disorder, often referred to as SAD or seasonal depression, is a mood disorder characterized by depression that occurs at the same time every year.
Most people that suffer from SAD struggle during winter, and possibly fall, due to the reduced level of sunlight exposure. Our biggest source of vitamin D, a vitamin that helps our bodies produce serotonin aka the happy chemical, is the sun.
Tips and Tricks to Help Fight the Funk
Lighting - This may seem odd, but lighting is very important during winter. Overhead lights are your enemy. My rule is that when the sun sets, the overhead lights go off. Instead of overhead lights, use candles, Christmas lights, LED tea lights, lamps, or my personal favorite, a virtual fireplace. Think of that warm glow that bonfires/fireplaces put off and try to imitate it. I even try to keep the overhead light off during the day if I can.
Take vitamin D supplements or a multivitamin, which we should probably all be doing year-round.
Find a new, cozy hobby. Pick something that doesn’t require electronics like junk journaling, reading, knitting, or doing puzzles.
Create a space in your home that is a sanctuary, somewhere you can go to relax. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just find a space and make it your own. Get your body moving. It doesn’t matter what you do but do something.
Spend extra time with your loved ones.
On good weather days, go outside. It’s easy to get stuck in a routine, but that extra vitamin D will do wonders.
Practice random acts of kindness. Obviously, this is always a good thing to do, but when you’re feeling down, it can be uplifting.
This one is going to sound silly but romanticize the small things in life. The tiniest of things can make a such a big difference. This one will look different for everyone. For example, spruce up a simple drink; fruit and cinnamon does wonders for apple cider.
If something makes you happy and you’re able to do it, just do it. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.
Lastly, know that it is okay to seek professional help. Counseling can be tremendously helpful, and Sul Ross students have access to a counselor on campus.
Mental Health Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors.
SRSU Counseling Services: Contact Mary Schwartze at (432)837-8203 or mschwartze@sulross.edu.