How to: Manage Seasonal Depression

Coffman Answers Your Burning Questions

Ms. Sheree Coffman in her office, room 1107.

Harley Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
December 10, 2018

“Dear Ms. Coffman,

Recently I have been feeling very depressed. For some reason, it always happens around this time of year. What are some tips and tricks to deal with seasonal depression?”

Sincerely,

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

Sometimes the lack of sunlight that we get during the day following the time change can cause us to slump into a low grade “Blah” or “Meh“.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
Light therapy is a way to treat the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and certain other conditions by exposure to artificial light. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time each year, usually in the fall or winter. During light therapy, you sit or work near a device called a light therapy box. The box gives off bright light that mimics natural outdoor light.

Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, easing SAD symptoms. Using a light therapy box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders, and other conditions. Light therapy is also known as bright light therapy or phototherapy. 

Read the full article at Seasonal Affective Disorder / Light Therapy

You can also look into taking Vitamin D supplements, intentionally sitting in the sunshine, exercising more and waking up earlier on weekends so you have access to more natural sunlight.

If you feel like your sadness is more than seasonal or if you want some more advice on how to talk to your parents about how you are feeling, there are some links below. Above all, consider contacting your doctor to see what course of action is safe and right to your particular situation.

If you choose to try any of these things, please let me know how it goes, at [email protected]; I would love to hear from you!