Transcript
Fall has officially begun.
While that brings a sense of relief for some, for others this time of year can bring on an annual bout of depression.
You may have heard of seasonal affective disorder.
It’s a type of depression that’s related to the changes in seasons and it’s more than just the winter blues.
It generally starts in the fall and can last until the spring.
Medical experts say one major cause could be a lack of sunlight when the days become shorter.
This lowers our serotonin levels which affects our moods.
Another cause could be that those who suffer from this disorder produce too much melatonin which makes us sleepy and lethargic.
Symptoms include low energy, over eating, an increased need to sleep and withdrawal from social activities.
If you think you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder, don’t worry. There are ways to combat it.
Get outside to absorb more sunlight.
Exercise every day. This is key in elevating your mood.
Changing your diet by adding more vitamin D may help.
Reframe your focus. Instead of dreading the season, think about it in terms of positives.
Finally, if necessary, see a professional.
We can’t always do it on our own so don’t hesitate to get medical advice if you need it.
The Closed Caption version of this video can be found here:
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