It’s that time of year again when the days feel cold, dark, and dreary. If only the weather was the only thing affected by the seasonal changes. You’ve also noticed that you feel a bit like the weather.

You’re packing on additional layers to prepare yourself against the elements. But these layers aren’t just keeping you warm. They’re also helping to hide how you’re feeling inside.

This time of year never fails to make you feel a little less energized, down, and sad. It’s like when you welcome fall and winter, you’re also welcoming your seasonal depression that comes along with it.

This is how to help your seasonal depression symptoms.

Get Outside

The cold months often keep people inside. You want to stay warm inside the comfort of your own home. Try not to do this as it can lead to worsening signs and symptoms. The days are shorter during these months, so it’s even more important to find ways to get outside and soak in that vitamin D. Try to take a walk outside during your day. You can do this in the morning by taking a walk around your block or neighborhood, or consider taking your lunch break outside. If being outside isn’t an option due to the weather or your schedule, you can also soak up the sun by opening up the windows in your office or home to get some sunlight and fresh air in during the day.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Your insides may not be feeling the best during fall and winter, but you can make yourself feel a little better from the inside out by eating a healthy and well-balanced diet. Depression can cause you to gravitate towards or crave foods that are full of sugars or unhealthy fats. While these types of treats are fine in moderation, if they’re consumed in excess, it can lead to changes within the body and brain like weight gain, skin breakouts, and fatigue. Instead, consume meals that are filled with protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates. You’ll feel fuller longer, and you won’t feel guilty or worse down the road.

Move Your Body

Another way that you can help reduce some of those signs and symptoms of depression is by finding ways to move your body. Exercise has been proven to help one feel better from the inside out. Not only is it great for one’s physical health, but it’s also proven to be beneficial for one’s overall mental health and wellness. When you find ways to move your body, even if it’s just for thirty minutes each day, it can release endorphins which naturally work to improve one’s mood. Moving your body could include activities like walking, running, weight lifting, or stretching. Find what works for you and try to incorporate it into your daily routine.

Surround Yourself With Loved Ones

Depression can make you feel like you have to withdraw or isolate. You may even worry that the way you feel is a burden to your loved ones. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Your loved ones are there for you just as you’d be there for them during hard times. Let them in to help you during this time. They’re there for you no matter if you need someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to distract you. Let them know what you need from them so they can show up to support you.

Seek Additional Support

While there are many different lifestyle changes and coping mechanisms that you can make and try, there isn’t a true replacement for seeking additional support from a licensed and trained mental health professional. Depression of any kind, although common, is very serious. The sooner that you seek additional support, the better chance you have of avoiding prolonged depression and worsening signs and symptoms. Working with a mental health professional can help you get to the root cause of any potential triggers that may be making you feel this way. They’ll also be able to help you better manage those symptoms moving forward. Reach out today to learn more about depression counseling and how we can help you overcome those seasonal depression symptoms.