Key Points

• Seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is one of the most common forms of depression, typically beginning in the fall/winter season and ending in spring/summer. 
• It is important to recognise the signs of depression, which can include feeling sad/hopeless, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, and low self-worth. 
• A diagnosis for SAD may include lab tests, a physical exam, and a psychological evaluation. 
• Strategies for dealing with seasonal depression can include meditation/mindfulness, exercise, light therapy, social activities, aromatherapy, keeping a regular schedule, letting sunshine into your home, avoiding alcohol, taking a vacation/staycation, journaling, and taking a wake-up supplement. 
• Support systems such as family and friends, as well as mental health professionals, are also critical for managing depression. 
• B・SYNC ON is a natural wake-up supplement that uses a delayed-release technology to target the wake-up process and help you start your morning in a better mood, combatting some of the effects of seasonal depression.

Seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is one of the most common forms of depression. It typically begins in late fall or early winter season and ends in spring or early summer. Symptoms may include feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. 

Understanding your own mental health and how depression might be affecting you is the first step to getting rid of seasonal affective disorder. From there, you can use some of the coping strategies below for how to deal with seasonal depression to manage your mental health, including taking a wake-up tablet supplement to help you sleep better, wake up with more energy, and more.

 

Signs of Depression 

Before you begin learning how to deal with seasonal depression, it's important to recognise the signs of depression. These can include feeling sad or hopeless, having difficulty concentrating, sleeping too much or too little, changes in appetite, and feelings of low self-worth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to reach out to a mental health professional for help. 

 

Diagnosis for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Before a diagnosis can be made for SAD, there are a few things that have to be done through a thorough evaluation:

Lab Tests

Your doctor will often begin by taking blood tests to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms. This will help to determine if the symptoms are caused by depression or something else. 

Physical Exam

Your doctor will also do a physical exam to determine if there are any physical conditions that could be causing your symptoms. This includes checking your blood pressure, weight, and other indicators of physical health. 

Psychological Evaluation

Your doctor or mental health professional will also do a psychological evaluation. This will involve asking questions about your symptoms, your mental health history, and your lifestyle. 

Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor can create a treatment plan for you. This may include medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

 

Is Seasonal Affective Disorder Real?

It can be difficult to struggle with SAD and not feel like it's real or valid. It is important to remember that SAD is a real disorder and that it is treatable. It is not something to be ashamed of, and you don't have to go through it alone. Norman Rosenthal, MD coined the term "seasonal affective disorder" in 1980, and the concept has been widely accepted since the 1990s.

Strategies for Dealing With Seasonal Depression

There is always something you can do to help manage the symptoms of seasonal depression, with some strategies working better than others, depending on the patient. Here are some of the best.

Take a Wake-Up Supplement

The world’s first wake-up supplement B・SYNC ON uses a galenic delayed-release technology to target the wake-up process and help you start your morning in a better mood. Each capsule of B・SYNC ON contains 50 tiny pellets, each one filled with caffeine, vitamin B5, vitamin B12 and zinc. A coating is layered around each tablet, which ensures a delayed release of approximately 7 hours. This means that you can take a pill before going to bed and the active components will be released in 7 hours, gently waking you up and helping you feel happy and energised. 

Seasonal depression can affect how we feel in the morning, making it harder to wake up and giving us a feeling of low energy and sluggishness. Taking a wake-up supplement before you go to sleep will help your body wake up better in the morning and align your circadian rhythm to your schedule. 

Meditation and Mindfulness 

Mindfulness meditation is one of the most popular ways to manage depression. It involves focusing on the present moment without judgment or expectation. Through meditation, you can learn to become aware of your thoughts and feelings and how they affect you. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety and can improve your overall sense of well-being. 

Exercise 

Exercise is another great way to manage depression. It can help to increase endorphin levels, reduce stress, and improve your overall mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. This can include walking, running, cycling, swimming, yoga, or any other type of exercise that you enjoy. 

Light Therapy 

Light therapy is a form of treatment that can help to reduce symptoms of seasonal depression. It involves exposure to bright light, typically from a special light box, for 30 minutes or more each day. This can help to regulate your body’s natural circadian rhythm and reduce feelings of depression. 

Make Social Activities a Priority

We are social creatures, and we thrive when we are able to connect with others. Making social activities a priority is one of the best ways to manage seasonal depression. Spend time with friends and family, or join a group or club that interests you. 

Aromatherapy

Using aromatherapy can be a great way to manage depression. Certain essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, are known to have calming and uplifting effects. You can use a diffuser or add a few drops to a warm bath to help you relax and reduce feelings of depression. 

Keep a Regular Schedule

Sticking to a regular schedule can be helpful when it comes to managing seasonal depression. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, and plan activities that are enjoyable to look forward to. This will help to keep your circadian rhythm in balance and reduce feelings of depression. 

Let Sunshine Into Your Home

During the winter months, it can be difficult to get enough natural sunlight. To help manage the symptoms of seasonal depression, make sure to let the sunshine into your home by opening the curtains or blinds each day. 

Avoid Alcohol or Cut it Out

Alcohol is a depressant, and it can make symptoms of depression worse. If you are struggling with seasonal depression, it’s best to avoid alcohol or cut it out completely. 

Try a Vacation or Staycation

Taking a break from your normal routine can be a great way to manage seasonal depression. Whether it’s a vacation or a staycation, taking a break from your everyday life can help to reduce stress and improve your mental health.

Journaling 

Journaling can be a helpful way to manage depression. It can help to reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can also help you to process your thoughts and feelings. 

 

Getting Support for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Support systems are critical for managing depression. Find a friend, family member, or mental health professional with whom you can discuss your feelings. This will help to reduce feelings of isolation and provide you with the support you need to manage your mental health. 

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder Doesn't Have to Control Your Day

Seasonal depression can be a difficult and challenging condition to manage. It’s important to remember that there are strategies and treatments that can help you to manage your symptoms. Reach out to a mental health professional for help if you are struggling with depression, and remember that you are not alone.

If you want to start taking control of your mornings and wake up with more energy and in a better mood, try B・SYNC ON today and discover the benefits of taking the world’s only patented wake-up supplement.

 

Frequently Asked Questions