Happy Monday all!
Winter can be tough to deal with especially if you suffer from the “winter blues”, otherwise known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, SAD is a type of depression that begins and ends with the seasons. Symptoms can include loss of energy, poor concentration and changes in appetite. Suicidal thoughts are also a symptom of SAD. SAD is a serious condition that shouldn’t be shrugged off or minimized. Treatments such as light therapy and psychotherapy are recommended to address SAD. SAD can occur during the Summer, so don’t think it’s only unique to Winter. I struggle with periods of depression and sadness during the Winter. In the past I sought out professional help to address it. To this day I still use the coping skills I was taught while in treatment to manage my feelings.
If you or anyone you know are exhibiting symptoms of SAD please seek help. There is no shame in asking for help. Also asking and receiving help doesn’t mean you aren’t strong. It takes a strong woman to admit that they cannot do it alone and need help.
Have a wonderful day!
Sweater: Loft (wearing an XXL, here)
Pants: Eloquii (here)
Shoes: H&M (no longer available, similar here and here)
Earrings: Baublebar (old, similar here and here)
Depression and other mental health illnesses are no joke. Thanks for sharing and I love the blue on blue. 🙂
I seem to be the opposite, it gets so hot down south that I tend to stay in doors and lay around like a lump. I know this is nowhere near as real as someone with SAD. Anyway, as for your outfit it’s such a cute and fun outfit. I love the color on you, and I love those mules. Everything is just super cute.
First of all, you look beautiful in blue! Great outfit!! Second, about SAD, the artificial lights we live under do not help us – LED’s and compact fluorescents save on utility costs but they do not have the broad spectrum of light that our bodies were designed to have. Simply put, full spectrum light means that is the closest to what the sun give us. It may be helpful to purchase and install a full-spectrum light (available on Amazon, around $15) in a couple sitting spots to reap the benefits of this DIY light therapy. This is no substitute for professional help because depression is serious stuff, but something to try.
Love this outfit – the sweater is beautiful and the shoes add a perfect pop. I hate winter but I think it is because I am always cold and want to hibernate.
Don’t forget to take vitamin D in the winter months. I just don’t love cod liver oil, which is a breakfast chaser in Scandinavian countries. Cod liver oil was grandparent wisdom, and it helps. If you wear sunblock like me, vitamin D is a good idea all year round,but choose one with vitamin K.
Beautiful colors in clothing also do wonders for cheering a person up!