Darker skies, colder temperatures, more processed food and less socialization combined make the perfect storm that brings people\u2019s moods to an all-year low<\/a>, leading to winter depression. Less exposure to sunlight during the winter also leads to a decline in vitamin D<\/a> over the winter months, a phenomenon associated with depressive symptoms.<\/p>\n Many people who do not have clinical depression<\/a> suffer from similar symptoms during the winter, giving the disorder the nickname \u2018winter depression\u2019. The illness\u2019s acronym – \u2018SAD\u2019 – is telling of the symptoms<\/a> associated with winter blues, which include:<\/p>\n Make sure you look out for these symptoms and take note of the following tips to make sure that the winter blues don\u2019t get the better of you this coming winter.<\/p>\n As the last winter of this decade approaches, these are the two most important tips you should keep in mind that will prevent symptoms of winter depression from appearing.<\/p>\n As hours with sunlight dwindles in winter, it\u2019s important that you go out for a mid-day walk as often as possible to get the much-needed sunlight exposure<\/a>. Sunlight has been shown to increase the brain\u2019s release of a hormone called serotonin<\/a>, which is associated with boosting mood and preventing feelings like sadness and loneliness.<\/p>\n Getting more sunlight exposure can also prevent you from sleeping in during the winter. Darkness or darker light triggers the brain to release another hormone called melatonin<\/a>, which promotes sleep.<\/p>\n Finally, sunlight exposure is the primary source of vitamin D for your body. Studies have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and depression, with vitamin D receptors being located in the same area of the brain associated with depression.<\/p>\n For these reasons, taking short strolls during the day can go a long way to prevent you from feeling down during the winter season.<\/p>\n For many people, the symptoms of winter depression start with the feeling of loneliness. This could be because people tend to stay at home during the winter days to keep warm. However, this results in a lack of social interaction and can often lead to depressive emotions.<\/p>\n Hence, making an effort to meet up with loved ones or colleagues during your free time can help prevent symptoms, such as loneliness and sadness from appearing, and stop you from getting the winter blues this winter.<\/p>\n The first two tips mentioned are effective ways of how to get out of the low, depressive mood of the winter blues. However, if they\u2019re not working, here are three additional ways on how to deal with winter depression.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019re deep in the depressive mood of SAD, you may find yourself craving carbohydrates and sugar. This is nothing out of the ordinary, and eating an egg tart or a chocolate cake can lift your mood temporarily. However, doing so only alleviates the surface symptoms of winter depression and as Hong Kong parents will tell their children, eating too many egg tarts each day is bad for both your weight and your teeth!<\/p>\n Instead, eating healthily can lift you out of winter depression while also improving your physical health. A meta-analysis<\/a> on the link between diet quality and depression found that eating fish and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of depression.<\/p>\n In the case of winter depression, an apple (or fish) a day may actually keep the doctor away.<\/p>\n Keeping your home especially warm can create a sense of security and comfort, truly allowing you to relax in a safe space amid the cold winter season. This may mean cranking up a heater to keep your living room warm, having a regular cup of hot tea to keep your body warm, or lighting up candles to create a warm and cozy atmosphere at home.<\/p>\n Talking about your mental health struggle<\/a> is the first step to recovery. Doing so can allow you to receive emotional support from your friends and family. The chances are, they will have experienced the winter blues before as well, and will be able to offer you their coping tips. If symptoms continue to worsen, make sure you seek professional help by visiting a mental health professional near you.<\/p>\n Winter comes around every year, and if you are prone to severe symptoms of winter depression, the cost of seeking professional help may add up, putting a dent into your savings. Thankfully, the cost of mental health is covered by most major insurers in Hong Kong, lowering the financial risk of regularly visiting mental health practitioners.<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to know more about health insurance in Hong Kong, feel free to contact<\/a> our experts at Pacific Prime<\/a> at any time. As health insurance brokers, we are well-equipped to help you find the best private health insurance for expats in Hong Kong<\/a>.<\/p>\n Through partnering with the best private health insurance companies in Hong Kong<\/a>, we have a wide range of plans available, such as family medical insurance plans for expat families<\/a>, group health insurance plans that cover mental health<\/a>, as well as international health insurance plans in Hong Kong<\/a>.<\/p>\n To get a no-obligation, free price comparison quote<\/a>, visit our website today!<\/p>\n![\"General](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacificprime.hk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/WP-Banner-revamp-final-20221207_5.-General-final.jpg?resize=700%2C303&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\nWhat is seasonal affective disorder<\/h2>\n
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How to prevent winter depression<\/h2>\n
1. Get more exposure to daylight<\/h3>\n
2. Go out more and socialize with others<\/h3>\n
How to deal with winter depression<\/h2>\n
1. Maintain a healthy diet<\/h3>\n
2. Stay warm and cozy<\/h3>\n
3. Talk about it<\/h3>\n
![\"Get](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacificprime.hk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/HK-BANNER-Couple.jpg?resize=700%2C303&ssl=1\")
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