Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or seasonal depression, affects people in a way that can seem permanent during the winter, with individuals struggling to feel much sunlight. Knowing how to help your partner who has SAD can, at times, be challenging because of the nature of the illness. From this article, you can learn how to help them – and never try to change them; instead, help them manage those feelings. This way, when you are actively present, you can play a significant role in their journey of navigating the winter months.
Understanding Seasonal Depression
First, let’s look at what seasonal depression is before we jump into how one can assist a partner who struggles with it. SAD, according to Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal, professor at Georgetown Medical School in Washington D.C., is a sub-type of depression that is characterized by seasonal occurrence, with the significant episodes of the illness most frequently observed in autumn and winter months. Common signs are fatigue, fluctuation in mood, change in the amount of sleep one gets, and changes in the ability to focus on things. Knowledge of these signs will assist you as a concerned partner in understanding your partner’s situation better.
Open the Lines of Communication
The first action in assisting your partner is to encourage honesty by establishing rapport. Accept them when they tell you exactly how they feel. Empathize with them by listening to them and making them think that you understand what they are going through. Doing this may help prevent them from feeling lonely in this experience and help them open up about their struggles. A huge part of seasonal depression is feelings of loneliness. By being there for them, they will start not to feel this way as much.
Encourage Professional Help
Although your support can be much appreciated, there are more ways a professional could help with seasonal depression. Suggest to your partner to reach out to a therapist or counselor who focuses mainly on mood disorders in a gentle manner. You may suggest assisting them in finding options or even being there for their initial meeting if they are comfortable with that. Reassure your partner that seeking help in this way is okay and normal. It could be the best decision they ever make for their well-being.
Foster Healthy Routines
A schedule will help to enhance the structure of your partner’s life. Encourage them to keep a proper sleeping cycle, eat balanced and regular meals, and participate in physical activities. Many researchers observed the positive side effects of even moderate exercise on mood with the use of endorphin release. You may even want to exercise together. This could be going for walks, attending fitness classes, or preparing healthy meals. Turning these routines into less of a burden will help you and your partner enforce the schedule and help with seasonal depression.
Be Patient and Understanding
Be patient with your partner while they deal with seasonal depression. It’s okay to have highs and lows. It’s important to realize that things won’t always be smooth sailing. Let them know that it’s normal to have bad days sometimes, even when they don’t like it, and that you will always be there for them. Your constant support helps to give hope to your partner, thus alerting them that they are not forced to battle their struggles alone.
Stay Informed and Involved
To address this issue, you should familiarize yourself with the symptoms of seasonal depression and what your partner goes through. Also, communicate with your partner about their needs during these difficult times. This way, you can support them properly and notice shifts in their mood and actions. You may even want to consider joining support groups or online communities. Doing so can help provide more insight into seasonal depression and may even help you with your partner.
Final Thoughts
It can be challenging to support a partner with seasonal depression, although trying to do so can make a difference if focusing on the small steps. Caring, sharing, and respecting each other’s point of view, as well as supporting healthy habits with good nutrition, exercise, and professionals, your love and commitment will help to address the feelings your partner may have. Keep it going; it is not about being perfect; it’s about the process – your support can show them the way, even through the dark.
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