20 Apr Do You Suffer From SAD?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that is related to changing seasons. For most, symptoms start in the Fall and continue through the Winter. According to Web MD, bad weather can really have a negative effect on your emotions and while everyone might feel down every now and then, feeling depressed should not be brushed off as a normal part of aging. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder can include:
- Oversleeping
- Appetite changes
- Weight gain
- Tiredness
- Low energy
It has been a long winter here in Ontario, and while an abundance of freezing temperatures and darkness lasting longer than usual might be a winter wonderland for some, for our aging population, it can be especially challenging. As we roll into spring, hopes for sunshine are right around the corner – so here are some tips will keep you and your loved ones smiling until then:
Talk to a professional
Do not ignore your feelings or those of your aging parents. It is common to chalk these types of emotions up to the “winter blues”, but that can be dangerous. Take steps to ensure symptoms are addressed early before they become debilitating.
Stay in the light
A natural response when you start to feel down might be to curl up in bed with the curtains closed and the lights off. By keeping the lights on – you can help boost serotonin, which can help elevate your mood.
Make the best of it
While you can’t control the weather, you can make a conscious decision to make the best of it, or at least trying to. This might mean turning to some of your favourite indoor activities like cooking or baking, doing crafts, scrapbooking, playing board games or curling up with a cheerful book. If none of these ideas sounds exciting to you, you can always throw on your rubber boots and find a big puddle. Who says puddle jumping is just for kids?
Move your body
A body in motion stays in motion. Sitting around for days only adds to the depression you might be feeling if you or your loved one is affected by seasonal affective disorder. Try walking around a local mall, a relaxing yoga class or visiting your local community centre to check out some of the classes the might be offering (tai chi, swimming, step and more).
Ontario is helping seniors stay active and connected to their communities by investing in up to 40 new Seniors Active Living Centres across the province. You can learn more about that initiative here.
At Peachtree senior living, your wellbeing is our first priority. That’s why we make it our mission to fill each day with adventure and activity, no matter what the weather is like outside! Contact us to speak to our team of professionals about our care services and programming initiatives that best suit your needs.
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