By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
As exhilarating as moving to Dallas is, at some point the moving high goes away and you return to ground along with a great big thud. When re-entry is throughout the winter season, it can result in seasonal depression--also known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Especially if your move has brought you somewhere where winter is indeed a thing--for instance if you have moved from Florida to Michigan-you should be prepared for some seasonal anxious feelings and understand how to keep it in check till the spring thaw.If you recall anything at all about high school geography, the further north you are, the less daytime there is throughout the fall and winter times. The shorter days usually come together with gloomy dull days, so that it feels like the sun never shines for weeks at a time. Then just about all you want to do is hibernate--stay home, sleep, binge watch movies, and simply avoid the world. For those who have recently moved across the country and are in a new area, and you haven't essentially settled into a new routine still, it is much easier to get caught in the grip of seasonal depressive disorder. So, here is how you possibly can treat it at home, or some therapies a pro might advise if you cannot keep it under control without any help.
One note--SAD is actually a thing--the Mayo Clinic handles it, and also the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) includes it. If you feel the outward symptoms of depressive disorder that come with winter season, seek treatment if you've had the outward symptoms in the past.
Light Healing
Phototherapy is the miracle bullet for many people with SAD. It's a straightforward treatment that scientists think transforms your brain balance with 30 minutes a day of exposure; There are no real side effects and it's a home treatment, so it is worth a consideration. You will want a light box which gives off at least 10,000 lux (lux factors in the intensity of the light). Relax by the box--between 16 to 24 inches away--while you drink your morning coffee, not gazing directly at the light source but with your eyes open. Ensure the light box is made particularly for SAD treatment, as it will remove Ultra-violet light.
Easy things--higher-watt light bulbs, opening shades during the day, and sitting by a window at work, if possible--that get you to extra light may have a significant benefit. Cut back any tree branches that hang over your home to let in more sun, and explore incorporating skylights to let all the light you'll be able to to the house.
Head Outside
Take a stroll, eat your lunch break outside--anything to soak up some weak winter season sun light. Even a little boost of Vitamin D is good for you and also getting outside for a small stroll takes care of that along with getting your pulse up. Early morning sun--even on overcast days--packs more of a wallop versus the weak mid-day sunshine, so strive to head out to begin your day.
Exercise is the default method for helping any kind of depression--it gets the endorphins flowing, which often relieves the symptoms of tension and anxiety. In the event that your new house is in a place where wintertime sports are widespread, take up a new activity--snow skiing, ice skating, even ice fishing. Attempt to go outside and socialize, even if it is simply having lunch or having a cup of coffee with acquaintances.
Should your SAD persists after you've attempted to deal with it by yourself, please obtain a physician's guidance. A psychologist or psychiatrist will perform a complete examination of your physical and mental health and evaluate if your symptoms are truly seasonal or perhaps the roots of a more chronic depression. Among the first questions they'll ask is if any additional family members are subject to SAD--it is assumed to be hereditary. Treatment solutions may be talk therapy, rest or meditation, or even a short-term prescription for antidepressants.
Do not forget that as wintertime gives way to spring, so will your SAD ease away as the days get a bit longer and warmer. Meanwhile, please get intervention for your SAD in order to have fun with your life in your new house after moving to Dallas.
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