Holiday Blues: Recognizing and Managing Seasonal Depression

When winter comes we all crave for sunshine, whether it is moments on the balcony or a vacation on a tropical island in the Caribbean. However this celebration can also be a period of struggle for many.

While some people enjoy these seasonal changes, for others the impending winter months brings about emotional changes that can affect mood and could lead to seasonal affective disorder or SAD.

Recognizing the symptoms of SAD

SAD symptoms often occur in a predictable manner at the same time of the year and can include:

• Loss of interest
• Disruptive sleep patterns
• Weight gain
• Symptoms of sadness
• Having trouble sleeping

Therefore, identifying these symptoms at an early stage is crucial for creating an effective treatment plan.

How to manage seasonal depression?

For some people the colder months bring much more than just chilly weather. It brings a chemical change in the brain that hits people hardest at this time of the year.

There is no known way to prevent SAD, but there are steps you can take early on to manage symptoms and prevent them from getting worse.

Traveling

Traveling to a sunny destination is an excellent way to cope with seasonal depression, and more and more people are using cruises as a way to reinforce self-care.and disconnect from reality.

For instance, going on a tropical cruise from Florida to the Caribbean will allow you to reconnect and reset while at the same time enjoying all the special onboard amenities and exploring  amazing new destinations.

Light therapy

Also called phototherapy, the affected person sits a few feet away from a special source of light, which mimics outdoor natural light, within the first hour of waking up each day.

Light therapy is also considered to be the first line of treatment for holiday blues onset and starts working usually within a few days to a few weeks to take effect. Before purchasing one, ask your doctor about the one best suited for you and familiarize yourself with the features, whether it is safe and effective.

Prioritizing self-care

Take care of yourself by maintaining a regular sleep schedule, consuming nutritious meals and taking time out for physical activities. Also engaging in activities like meditation or reading a book which bring joy and relaxation can also help minimize the holiday blues.

Building a support system

Encourage meaningful interactions with families and friends through phone calls, in-person meetings or video chat to help combat any feelings of isolation. Conversation can revolve around shared interests, memories or by planning activities like a virtual game night. Volunteering in acts of gratitude and kindness can also boost mood and provide a sense of purpose.

When to see a doctor?

Feeling down on some days is normal, but if the symptoms persist for days on end and you don’t get motivated enough to participate in activities you normally like to, see your healthcare provider.

This is more important if you are showing signs of irregular sleep or notice changes in appetite or turn to alcohol for comfort and relaxation or show suicidal tendencies.