Do you tend to “get the blues” during the winter? Check out these helpful tips to cope with seasonal depression this winter.
Lincoln Park Therapy Group Founder Nicolle Osequeda is featured in this article for The Active Times discussing some helpful tips to cope with a common winter phenomenon called Seasonal Affective Disorder (also known as SAD). Defined by the Mayo Clinic as “a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons,” SAD is often the cause of the winter blues and tends to begin and end around the same time each year for people.
In How to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder, According to a Therapist, Nicolle talks about the hallmark symptoms of SAD and discusses the intersection of SAD with depression related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Because of this overlap, people might experience even more complex challenges this winter.
Nicolle also offers some helpful (and Covid-conscious) tips to cope with SAD, including things like:
- getting enough access to light – things like a light therapy box or a dawn simulator can help with this
- sticking to a consistent sleep schedule
- creating a cozy environment (check out some great ideas in this Country Living article about Hygge, the Danish philosophy of coziness and comfort to promote a feeling of warmth and contentment
- using essential oils
- practicing mindfulness
- engaging in physical activity
- staying connected with friends and family
- spending time outside
- trying new foods
- talking to a therapist
To read the full article, How to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder, According to a Therapist, click here.
At Lincoln Park Therapy Group, we know how hard the “winter blues” can be to cope with and we understand that it might be even harder than usual this year due to COVID. If you find yourself feeling extra sad, unmotivated, or disengaged from life over these winter months, or if you notice that your depression is getting worse, it might be helpful to talk to someone about it. Schedule a time to come in and talk with one of our therapists – we’d love to meet you.
Nicolle Osequeda, LMFT, is the founder of Lincoln Park Therapy Group, specializing in anxiety, depression, and relationship counseling in Chicago. As a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, she incorporates Dr. Brené Brown’s research into her therapy. Nicolle holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco and is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Illinois and California. She is a Clinical Fellow of AAMFT, a member of IAMFT, and the Financial Therapy Association. Nicolle has Gottman Method training and has taught at DePaul University, dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve meaningful change. 
