At a first glance, it may not be clear how house plants can have any impact on your mental health. If you realized your mood changes drastically with the seasons, though, this might be the hidden gem you have been searching for. House plants can prevent seasonal depression.
As the days get shorter and things get darker and colder, some of us are prone to getting seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Because of the radical change in weather between summer and winter, most of us are crammed in our houses during the colder months. As a result, we do not get the sunlight that typically invigorates us so much during the warmer seasons. (Not to mention, the mere fact that it’s winter means that our side of the earth is further away from the sun.)
Scientifically speaking, then, it makes sense that you feel worse as a result of the weather. In fact, about 10% of people with depression actually have SAD to thank (as opposed to other causes). It is no fun to fall victim to seasonal depression. But, that is why we want to talk about alternative remedies; specifically, we will explain how adding house plants to your environment can help you stay happy during the colder seasons.
If you’re looking for other ways to raise your spirits during this time, check out these 5 Distinct Ways to Be Happy Every Day. It’s certainly okay to be sad sometimes, but treating yourself with kindness and getting the help you need is always a good idea!
Symptoms Of Seasonal Affective Disorder
If you are not sure whether or not you are in fact experiencing seasonal depression, do not worry. It is completely understandable, and we are here to help you figure it out. The first step is discovering whether or not you are personally prone to having seasonal depression. To further determine this, look through some of the following symptoms:
- Issues with getting the right amount of sleep (this could be applied to both insomnia or over-sleeping)
- Getting easily upset or irritated with other people, tasks, or in general
- Feeling extra stressed out all the time (which may lead to crying, anxiety, or lashing out at others)
- Not feeling like socializing anymore
- Losing motivation to complete daily tasks
- Feeling sad all the time
- Eating more than usual for comfort
Possible Treatments
While the listed symptoms can help determine whether or not you have seasonal affective disorder, they all fall under the broader category of depression. Therefore, it may take some self reflecting to see what exactly is causing these symptoms. In other words, if these symptoms apply to you solely under specific weather conditions, then you are likely experiencing SAD. If you feel these symptoms equally throughout all of the seasons, SAD probably does not apply to you. Regardless, there are many treatments for all types of depression and several ways to get help.
As discussed, if you are experiencing these symptoms, it is likely that you are battling with mental health. You have probably heard of the basic remedies for depression; changes in activity level, eating healthier, and talking to a therapist are among the most popular suggestions. If you are still struggling with depressive symptoms after trying basic remedies, it may be in your best interest to see a psychologist.
Psychologists are specifically trained to focus on their patient’s mental health, and there is absolutely no shame in seeking one for yourself. Rather, psychologists will aid in discovering the underlying roots of your depression, and then act accordingly. They may give you the same basic advice for these symptoms, but if needed, one will provide you with proper and helpful medication.
We are all different, so we will not all respond to the same things. These traditional treatments are always available if you need them. But, if you are experiencing SAD, the cure to your depression may lie in a more straightforward remedy. Believe it or not, keeping plants around your home is one of the best ways to combat seasonal affective disorder.
We know you’ve been wondering how plants are capable of helping you overcome seasonal depression, so keep reading:
Using House Plants To Combat Seasonal Depression
Do you miss those summer days when you could go outside and be completely surrounded by plants? Well, turning your home into a tropical escape in its own right can help raise your spirits, while also improving your health.
Plants are living things, so you can really feel their energy when you have them around your house. Depending on where you live, this is something that you may not be able to get as much from outdoor plants in the winter.
Plants also release oxygen, which in turn, improves the overall air quality of your home. An improvement in air quality in itself can make you feel so much better. Moreover, the pops of green plants add such a lively freshness to your home–freshness that we typically miss during colder seasons.
There are a lot of different types of plants that you can get depending on the light levels in your home. If you do not have a lot of windows, don’t worry. Many plants such as ivy, begonias, or snake plants don’t need much light to thrive. If you don’t have a green thumb, succulents are a great option. They require minimal effort for survival and even come in a variety of colors.
You Don’t Have To Commit To House Plants
If you love plants but have a black thumb, getting plants for your home may not be the best option for you. But, you can still reap the benefits from plants in a different way.
Essential oils come from plants, and they are typically used for aromatherapy to raise your mood. So, you can strategically purchase feel-good essential oils to provide yourself with the comfort and positivity that you need–even without plants in your house.
The variety of essential oils are endless, and each serve a different purpose. Some really great essential oil options include rose, lavender, basil, frankincense, and citrus. If you can pinpoint a specific symptom that you are struggling with, you can use different oils to help combat that issue. For example, the lavender scent provides a relaxing aura, and eases your ability to get a good night’s rest and calm down before bed.
It is so important to prioritize your mental health throughout all the seasons and years that come. Depression is a complex illness that affects many of us, and different remedies work for different people. While we centered this article around seasonally rooted depression, our tips can help anyone experiencing these symptoms on a broader level. As mental health is often misunderstood and seems to carry a negative stigma, it is essential that we not only acknowledge our own well-being, but actively make decisions to improve it. However you approach your situation, remember that you are not alone. We strongly urge any struggling individuals to implement the advice in this article, and if needed, seek additional help. Remember, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and things can always get better. Hopefully, you will see results quicker than you think.
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