Sometimes, you manage to push through a few steps. Other times you stumble backward. Sometimes you can’t bear to move another inch. 

If this struggle resonates with you, then it’s important to understand that it’s not your fault. Most importantly, things might not be as bleak as they appear. You could be dealing with seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that surfaces during certain seasons—with winter being the most common. 

In this article, you can discover more about the signs of seasonal affective disorder. You’ll explore ways to brighten your mood and improve your wellbeing. 

Common Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder can manifest differently for each person. If the scenario above doesn’t seem right, it doesn’t mean you don’t have seasonal affective disorder. Common signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include:

• Persistent Sadness or Low Mood, Particularly During Certain Seasons
• Lack of Motivation to Complete Daily Tasks
• Unable to Enjoy Activities You Once Loved
• Changes in Sleep Patterns or Appetite
• More Irritable or Unexpected Angry Outbursts
• Frequent Headaches, Stomach Pains, and General Body Aches
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Thoughts and Feelings of Hopelessness

Remembering that these symptoms can vary in intensity is important. Some people might appear “high functioning,” managing to maintain a job and care for family while struggling internally. However, they may not be able to fully enjoy life as they would without SAD.

If your symptoms are overwhelming and make it hard to get through the day, you should seek help. Even if you manage to get by but don’t feel happy, it’s still important to address the problem. Doing so can help you find the relief you need.

What To Do If You Struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder

One of the harsh aspects of seasonal affective disorder is the feeling of hopelessness. This feeling can keep you stuck in a depressed state. However, sometimes taking a small step in the right direction can give you the momentum you need to fight back. Here are some things that you can try if you’re struggling with SAD:

Get Some Nourishment and Rest. 

Sometimes SAD is a symptom of malnutrition. If you could be deficient in vitamin D or other nutrients, then your troubles could be purely nutritional. Lack of sleep can also cause depression. 

Get up and get moving. 

The last thing you might feel like doing is exercise, but this is a great way to battle seasonal affective disorder. Begin with a short walk in the sun to get some vitamin D. Then, gradually move on to more intense activities. 

Talk to Someone About It. 

If you tend to bottle up your emotions, then this can lead to symptoms of depression. Connecting with others and sharing your frustrations can help you find the mental space you need. This can give you a new perspective and help you fight against depression.

Change Things Up. 

If you feel like a hamster on a wheel, then try doing something different. Go for a drive to some different place. Cook a new meal (that provides those depression-fighting nutrients) or redecorate a room in your house. 

Consider Christian Counseling in Raleigh. 

Time to do something arises if nothing seems to work or if the relief is always short-lived.  Consider getting help from a Christian therapist in Raleigh, NC. Mental health treatment options are available in North Carolina. Your options may include medication and a variety of counseling services. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors, get help right away. Call 911 or reach out to a suicide hotline (call 988). People out there understand how you feel and will help you get through this. 

Fighting Seasonal Depression Through Faith

Your faith can help you battle seasonal affective disorder.  God does not intend for you to feel hopeless, lost, or defeated. He has a purpose for you, He loves you, and He will not leave you stuck in a rut of sadness.

With the power of Jesus Christ, you can defeat the dark spirits that hold you back. You can live the free life He wants for you.

Scriptures for Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Philippians 4:8 — “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
• Psalm 42:11 — “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!”
• 1 Peter 4: 12-13 —  “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
• Isaiah 61: 3 — “To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.”

Seasonal Affective Disorder Christian Counseling in Raleigh, NC

If you or someone you love is struggling with seasonal affective disorder, then now is the time to get help. Sojourner Counseling offers Christian therapy in Raleigh. Christian beliefs and scientific therapies are used in our approach. If you’d like to connect with licensed Christian counselors in Raleigh, NC, then reach out to us today.

The post How to Overcome Seasonal Depression with Faith-Based Therapy in Raleigh first appeared on Sojourner Counseling.

The post How to Overcome Seasonal Depression with Faith-Based Therapy in Raleigh appeared first on Sojourner Counseling.