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Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) While on Assignment

Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) While on Assignment

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Is a mental health condition and subtype of depression specific to the winter season when there is less sunlight to brighten your day. It’s associated with mood changes, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and other depressive symptoms that can interfere with daily functioning in any area.[1]

As a travel healthcare provider, you’re already away from loved ones and in a new place, which can exacerbate any mental health condition, including SAD. We want to help! Here are our top 4 tips for managing SAD and depressive symptoms while on your winter assignment. 

Stay Connected To Professional Help

Therapy is highly beneficial and can help you through any of life’s challenges. You’ll learn to identify harmful patterns, build healthy coping skills, and how to maintain a positive perspective. With therapy apps like BetterHelp and TalkSpace, it doesn’t matter where you are. You can stay connected with your favorite providers. 

Bright Light Therapy

Studies show that just 30 to 60 minutes a day of bright light exposure can reduce symptoms of SAD. A bright light or light box simulates sunlight and can help regulate sleep patterns and encourage your brain to produce the mood-effecting hormone serotonin.[2]

Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques

Activities like yoga, meditation, walking every day, journaling, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule are all beneficial lifestyle changes and activities that encourage mindfulness and help manage mood and stress levels. 

Dietary Changes

Lots of omega-3 foods, complex carbohydrates, and foods rich in vitamin D should be incorporated into your regular diet. Try local suppliers for fresh vegetables, meats, and new seasonal recipes, and talk to your PCP about adding a vitamin D supplement to your daily regimen. 

Ready to plan your winter adventure?

Connect with an IDR Healthcare recruiter today to find the next spot you want to explore as a travel nurse or allied healthcare provider. 

 

Sources

[1]Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Psychiatry.org – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder 

[2]NHS. (n.d.). Treatment – Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/ 

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