Tag: insomnia

Tips To Avoid Depression In the Winter

Published on by gamechangerjoLeave a comment

When the weather is cold and the skies are dark and cloudy, it’s easier to feel down and despondent. If you struggle with gloomy feelings during the winter, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, there’s help and hope available, without the use of medication. Of course, please check with your physician before making any changes to your health regimen. 

Spring is Around the Corner. Some people start feeling down days into the season change. Don’t let this happen to you! To stay happy and peaceful during the winter, focus your time and energy on things that bring you joy. See the beauty that the winter months have to offer. However, if you are really struggling to see any beauty in the gloom of winter, I have a few simple ideas to jump-start your thinking in a more positive direction.

Let’s go!

  1. Buy a sun lamp. A sun lamp gives you the light you need even when it’s gloomy outside, and works much better to help your mood than just turning on all the lights in your house.
  2. Take a vacation. Travel to somewhere sunny and warmer each winter, even if only for a couple of days. Looking forward to your annual getaway will lift your spirits during the time before you go, too.
  3. Get outside. When the sun does come out, even if it’s otherwise cold, take advantage of it. When your body is deprived of sunlight, it has a harder time making vitamin D. If you can get some sun, though, you’ll feel better. Feeling better, helps you to make it through until spring arrives with its longer, sunnier days.
  4. Find activities that bring you joy. Read that book you’ve always wanted, engross yourself in a new TV sitcom that comes on in winter. Perhaps learning to ski or snowboard, can bring you the mental and physical benefits of exercising, while also finding a way to enjoy the winter weather. 
  5. Consider a dawn simulator. These are alarm clocks, that gradually produces light that increases in intensity, just like the sun. These clocks do not wake you with loud beeping sounds or music.
  6. Consider aromatherapy. Studies have shown that essential oils can influence the brain area responsible for lifting your moods. 
  7. If you have SAD, you probably have trouble sleeping; whether it’s falling asleep, or getting up in the morning. Try sticking to a regular schedule, eating on time etc. Yes, it’s fine to shake things up from time to time, however, with SAD, routine is the way to go.
  8. Keep a journal. Writing down your thoughts, moods, and feelings is very theraputic. I find the best time to do so, is right before bed. A gratitude journal is also a great option

Depression is Treatable – Even if it’s Only Occasional. If your feelings of depression run deep, talk to your doctor about options best suited to your needs. If you’re only getting bummed out and unhappy during the winter, though, focusing on strategies that work during the this time, is the best way to shake the blues.

You can choose to be joyful. Focus on things that matter to you and bring you happiness. Winter is only a season, and you’ll have spring, summer, and fall to enjoy the sunshine. Remember, anything you can do when it’s dark outside, you can do on a gloomy winter day. If you have hobbies that lend themselves to indoor activity, you’ll have more to keep your mind occupied as you move through the winter. The cold days will pass more quickly if you have something to do to occupy your time, and spring will arrive before you know it. 

During this month, we have touched on a lot how depression affects every facet of our lives, and hopefully, you have found the tips and strategies most useful. Use this FREE Depression Recovery Worksheet.to help you heal

To Your Success,
Juan

Spot Hidden Signs of Depression In The Ones You Love.

Published on by gamechangerjo2 Comments

Depression isn’t always easy to spot in loved ones, especially if they are hiding it on purpose. Last month, when I began this mental health series, I mentioned the importance of checking in on your loved ones, the strong types, who often need support, but don’t ask for it. Pillars of strength,  at the first sign of trouble, they are the ones we seek out first. Sometimes, in our own self serving world, it’s easy to miss what’s being hidden. 

Useful strategies to help you discover if your loved one is suffering from depression:

  1. Why people hide their depression. It’s easier to hide the issues than face them head on People hide their depression because they’re scared and don’t want others to know what is happening to them. They are worried about losing their jobs or kids. Embarrassment is another reason. Depression still comes with a stigma, and they don’t want it attached to them. 
  1. They may overcompensate. To hide their depression, they overcompensate by being more outgoing than usual. Studies show they force themselves to be more outgoing and give fake smiles. It’s important to them that others think all is well.
  1. They have eating disorders. Issues with food are common among those with depression, including changes in appetite. They may eat too much or too little. Their diets may be out of control. If you notice these changes,  consider why they’re happening. Food can serve as an emotional trigger, often used to make themselves feel better or worse. 
  1. They have angry outbursts. These outbursts can become more frequent as the depression gets worse. An occasional angry outburst over a terrible situation is normal for everyone. However, if you notice frequent and strange angry outbursts, then consider this as a possible cry for help. 
  1. Their sleep patterns change. Unhealthy sleep patterns are an issue for those with depression. Sleep patterns that change for no reason may be a sign of a deeper issue. They may sleep too much or too little, and may complain about not getting enough sleep, yet refuse to go to bed. 
  • It’s important to look deeper into sleep issues. Why are they having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Or, why are they staying in bed for so long? Insomnia is frequently linked to depression. 
  1. They turn to addiction. Addiction and depression are often linked together. Addiction can come in many forms; food, drugs, alcohol, gambling or other behaviors. Risky behavior is an issue for people who suffer from depression.  It’s important not to ignore their cry for help. 
  1. They hide their feelings by keeping insanely busy schedules. Work, family, and volunteer activities can fill up the day and stop them from addressing their depression.This keeps them busy, provides a distraction from thinking, and helps to keeps us from questioning them.
  1. They have trouble thinking clearly. People who suffer from depression can often make bad decisions, refuse to reach any decision, and have trouble with their thoughts. They may also show difficulty in focusing on easy things. 

? I hope these tips helps you spot hidden depression in your loved ones. If are concerned a loved one is hiding Depression, dont wait for them to approach you and initiate a discussion, it might never happen. How you approach the conversation is crucial. Don’t pretend to be a know it all. Don’t start off by telling them “ I think you might be Depressed”. Start with love, let that lead you. Think how you might want to be approached, if a loved one tried to talk to you about Depression.

To Your Success,
Juan