Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Coping Strategies

Hi Linda. Great video 👍. I've only realised in the last couple of years just how sensitive as a person I am. Sensitive to people, sensitive to my environment and sensitive to food. The work I do as a holistic therapist made me realise I am probably an HSP (highly sensitive person) so it makes sense that SAD affects sensitive people more. This year I am focusing on keeping my energy grounded as often my anxiety takes me up into my head and doesn't keep me in my body where I need to me. After all I am a spiritual being in a human body for this life. I am also focusing on Qi gong, and meditation and movement. I need to get and get out daily as sometimes I just don't manage it even when I know it well be helpful. I have been experimenting with removing certain foods from my diet, and also after nearly a year as a vegetarian, I have introduced meat as I have researched the right food for my blood type which is a high protein diet of meat and dairy. I feel better when I reduce carbs, which I know a lot of people crave in winter. I'm about to go back onto SSRIs for the winter months but not sure how much these actually help. I've also come off caffeine and now only drink good quality decaf tea and coffee. My personal life is a lot more settled this winter so it will be interesting to see how that helps.

What strategies do you use to help you get through this time of year?