The holiday season is supposed to be full of happiness and joy. It’s a time for family, love, and giving, but sometimes these things just aren’t fulfilling enough. The holiday season also brings out stress and even depression. Seasonal depression is more common than you might think.
What are some causes of seasonal depression?
Seasonal depression can occur for many reasons:
- Time Change – the days are shorter and the sun is usually set by five o’clock. It’s easy to get into a rut when you’re working 9-5 and barely see the sunlight. The lack of vitamin D can negatively impact your mood, thus creating a depressed mindset.
- Loneliness – the holiday season is supposed to be a time spent with loved ones, however, some people might lack the connection to their families leaving them all alone. The isolation can trap people into a funk during these holiday months, causing them to spiral into depression.
- Loss of loved ones – while some people might still be surrounded by loved ones, the holiday season can remind people of the holidays spent with late loved ones, and remind them that those loved ones are no longer with us. While you’re supposed to be happy and jolly, you can’t help but think about the loved ones that you’re missing this year. This can cause the seasonal depression to have a great impact on your life.
How can I beat seasonal depression?
Helping others is a great way to change your mindset. Whether you’re feeling lonely, or you’re missing a loved one, or the shorter days are affecting your mental health, helping others can put you back in a positive state of mind.
If you’re feeling lonely, volunteering can help you gain a sense of connectedness to others. If you set out and volunteer close to the holidays, you will be surrounding yourself with others. The feeling of isolation will go away, along with the seasonal depression.
If you’ve lost a loved one and can’t seem to shake the sadness from your brain, get out and help others in need. Helping others will help remind you what the holiday season is all about. While it can’t bring your loved one back, it can certainly help with the depression.
If you are affected by the effects of seasonal depression, get out there and find an opportunity to volunteer. Helping others can positively affect your mental health, and it can help beat seasonal depression.
To learn more about seasonal depression, click here.