Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects many people every year, causing them to experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low energy during the darker, colder months. It can be a difficult and isolating experience, but knowing that others are going through the same thing can help.
To shed some light on this common condition, we reached out to our readers to hear their personal experiences and tips for battling SAD. The responses we received were honest, inspiring, and full of practical advice.
We’re sharing some of the quotes we received from readers about how they’ve learned to cope with seasonal affective disorder. Whether you’re looking for new strategies to try or simply want to feel less alone, we hope these insights will be helpful.
“Yes! Try to stay busy. Organize your closets, kitchen or work on a puzzle or read an uplifting book. Make lunch plans with friends. It gives you something to look forward to.”
– Sue Signor Demchik
“I plan a lot of family dinners/game nights. January is little Christmas, February is Superbowl party and Valentines day dinner. [In] March [we celebrate] St Patrick’s day fun, then planning & mapping out my flower & veggie gardens.”
– Rachel Rae
“Walking outside. It might be cold but its invigorating.”
– Nanci Helmlinger
“I used to suffer from this. I realized I hated winter, which was the reason for it. Then, I made the decision to embrace it and that’s when it turned around for me. I ventured out and found winter activities I enjoy doing as much as summer activities.“
– Lisa Self-Blanks
“I check the sunset time every day beginning in mid-December. It gives me hope, even though the sunset time is only one to two minutes later each day. This may sound crazy but it makes me so, so happy .”
– Anita Ahrens
“We always book a vacation for February or March to a warmer climate. Having this to look forward to and set my sights on helps.”
– Julie Knoechel Brown
“Reading the word of God first thing, praying and listening to praise and worship. Feed your spirit more of the things of God and it changes every part of your life. I also make sure I get up and not give in to staying under covers.”
– Vycki South
“I decorate my whole house inside and out with Spring decor! Lots of wreaths of silk flowers, wall pictures colorful throw pillows and rugs!”
– Margy Roth
“Try crafting! Something simple. It doesn’t have to be hard or complicated .”
– Kimberly A. Theile
We hope these ideas and tips from from the STAR family offer a ray of hope if you struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Sometimes, simply knowing that others have found ways to cope, can help us feel less alone and more empowered!
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