Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be a challenge this time of year, especially for the neurodiverse. Here are some tips for fighting off the winter blues. Share yours in the comments!
Transcription:
Hi, I’m JoyGenea, International Neurodiversity coach, or for short- ADHD and dyslexia coach for adults. SAD, I want to talk about SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is not the nicest name, but basically what it’s saying is that, if you live in the northern hemisphere there’s a potential that the massive lack of daylight is going to affect you and possibly cause you to feel more depressed let’s say. That’s the simple easy way to put that, and I’m going to mention to you that as a different thinker and as a person who potentially has a neurodiversity of some sort or another your brain is probably more susceptible to this because you’re already kind of fighting anxiety and depression. It’s a high probability. Not a big deal, but know about it. Work with it. That’s what I’m recommending. So, just a little bit of things you need to know if you are in anyway feeling like ‘Hmm life just isn’t worth living anymore,’ get a doctor. That’s a right away kind of thing. Ask for help. That’s bigger than you. The rest of these tips, they’re more for the lighter side if you’re just like ‘ugh I don’t want to get out of bed,’ those kinds of things. So, light therapy- there are special lights. Check it out. Vitamin D supplements, I’m just saying read and learn more about that. Also, cognitive behavioral therapy, that you get to work on with another professional, always a good thing, and sometimes antidepressants medications can be really helpful also at that p- with this type of thing. Some of the things you can do on your own is get moving! It is really important to get that blood flowing through the body again. Embrace the sun. I head outside, go for a walk, even when it’s bleh not that amazing, I still work on it. Plan to have some fun and then don’t cancel the plans. I know it’s tempting. Don’t do it. Connect with loved ones. They’re fun. Hang around those people. It can be a lot more fun than you think.
So, just some great ideas. What kind of ideas do you use to stay active in the winter and to fight off that winter blue and those SAD? So, I’m JoyGenea, International Neurodiversity Coach, and I have a little friend with me. Look, say hi. Bye.