Seasonal Affective Disorder Is Real, And Here’s How To Help Combat It

Introducing this product into your routine may be all you need to lift your mood.

by Rachel Linder

It’s not in your head if you think you may be experiencing the “winter blues”. Those feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression in the winter time can be attributed to Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a form of depression seen seasonally. Though your environment is not everything when it comes to your mental health, it can be a large component of determining how you feel day-to-day.

If you’re not being exposed to the sunlight regularly, which can often be the case in the winter, when the days are short and the darkness seems never ending, this can be contributing directly to feelings of sadness. It’s the hormone called serotonin that’s released in the brain when exposed to sunlight, that is known to boost your mood and make you happier. And it’s due to a lack of this serotonin being released in the brain that one may feel the impacts of Seasonal Affective Disorder. But, sometimes, it can be harder than you’d think to get that boost of serotonin on a regular basis—especially living in a colder climate where it’s difficult to get outside. You can’t always just hop on a plane to warmer weather—especially now, as we’re in the midst of a global pandemic.

So, what should you do if you’re feeling that mood shift during the dark and freezing days of winter? Lifting your spirits could be as simple as buying a sun lamp, which mimics the bright natural light from the sun and could give you that same boost in mood. A study conducted in 2009 found that light exposure therapy using lamps for individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder resulted in immediate mood boosts, despite not being exposed to the sun. The effects were recognized even after just 20-minute sessions of exposure to light.

A sun lamp can give individuals who can’t get into the real sunlight something to try that could have a drastic effect on their wellbeing. However, it is crucial that before purchasing a sun light, you speak with your doctor to confirm that starting light exposure therapy would be a helpful step for you.

And if you are in the market for a sun lamp, Healthline recommends this one that has incredibly high ratings (4.5 stars to be exact). With the use of this sun lamp you could begin seeing the effects on your mood almost immediately, which could help you to feel happier, calmer and more productive. Seasonal Affective Disorder doesn’t have to end when the darkness and cold does thanks to the introduction of a sun lamp into your winter routine.