How to Beat Winter Depression Syndrome

Seasonal Affective Disorder, holiday depression, or the winter blues, is different than clinical depression. This disorder usually takes place during the changing of the seasons from Fall to Winter when the sunny days are shorter and the night is longer.

If you have never experienced holiday depression, I am sure that you know someone who has.The onset of this depression may begin during the changing of seasons, such as from summer to fall or fall to winter. Holiday depression could be experienced by someone who is usually a very happy person.

Holiday day depression is not something you can tell some to, "just shake it off!" It is real depression in every sense and can develop into full blown clinical depression if not addressed.

The triggers for holiday Seasonal Affective Disorder, could be some traumatic event that took place, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one during that time or season.

This depression may begin to manifest, a month or weeks before the anniversary of the event. I used to get depressed around Christmas and did not know why, until I remembered, my deceased Mom's birthday was two days after Christmas.

The onset of that holiday was very challenging for me; but time and talking to siblings about my Mom, brought me comfort and healing.

Season Affective Disorder, can also have its root in the lack of friends, family or close relationships with which to share these holidays. Like is all your family lives in another state or country, or you are away at school and can't get home.

Sometimes, holiday depression is associated with seasonal effective depression, (SAD) where the person becomes depressed as the days shorten and there is less sun.

Whatever the reason you are experiencing holiday depression, there are things you can do to help you overcome this painful depression.

Omega -3 fatty acids and vitamin B-12 can essentially improve your mood and help lift depression. I have found it to be a great help in my own life. Take omega-3 fish oil supplement or flax seed oil.

Eat foods high in omega -3 fatty acids such as tuna, salmon, mackerel beans nuts and dark vegetables. Fortified cereals can also provide the B-12 you need if you do not eat meat.

Exercise is a great way to manage stress and depression many times associate with the holidays. After a good work out endorphins are released and it gives you an overall feeling of well being.

With holiday depression ask yourself... Should I put all your expectations into one day? Do you recall how much better you felt, one day after the holiday that made you so miserable? It is just one day and you can not let that one day define you!

Most holidays are created for one thing...money! It is estimated that $1.9 billion is spent on Halloween candy each year! Halloween candy! Not to mention what is spent on costumes and decorations. Holidays are promoted and commercialized, to make money and that is the bottom line. The almighty dollar is king! Holidays are promoted to make people spend money. Don't let them manipulate you!

Remember true meaning on holiday is friends family, gratitude and love. You don't need one dime to tell someone you love them. Also, look of reason to be grateful during the holidays rather than looking at what you do not have.

If your depression is cause by SAD, light therapy has been know to be expremely helpful. Light therapy will increase the number of hours of sunlight your get each day and help decrease symptoms of depression by increasing serotonin levels in the body making it easier for you to relax an sleep.

Light therapy can be more effective than medication.   Speak to your doctor about your seasonal depression.  You medical coverage may pay for your SAD lamp.  They are also a lot more inexpensive then they were years ago.

Be proactive, by planning something special yourself during the holiday which gives your trouble.

Don't wait for someone to invite you to do something, rather plan a party or a trip with some friends. This is a great way to replace sad past memories with newer and happier memories of that holiday.

Don't wait until the last moment or you may be met with disappointment as others may already have made plans. Start rounding up folks a few months before the holiday.

It will give you something to look forward to. You will also be surprised, how many other people have the same challenges you do with holiday depression.