I’m a therapist, listed here are 4 issues that make seasonal despair worse… and how one can cheer your self up

A therapist has revealed four things that can make your mental health plummet during the winter months – and shared tips to cheer yourself up. 

As the days get cold and the sun sets earlier, people are bundling up and searching for ways to get out of mental health ruts. 

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs during fall or winter and is thought to be because the shorter days and less daylight set off a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression. 

Now, Portland, Oregon-based therapist, Jeff Guenther, has detailed the various ways that you can overcome seasonal depression.

Jeff has become a viral sensation on TikTok by regularly sharing his relationship expertise.

The love expert has now broadened his area of expertise to include winter blues, as he took to the video-sharing platform to offer up some advice on the topic earlier this week. 

In a viral video, which has so far amassed over 34,000 views, the therapist explained that there are four main things that cause mental health issues during the colder months. 

He captioned the clip, ‘Four reasons depression feels even worse during the holidays and what to do about it.’ 

A therapist has revealed four things that can make your mental health plummet during the winter months – and shared tips to how you can cheer yourself up 

‘Number one, unrealistic expectations. Holiday movies and Instagram have us thinking we need a Hallmark-level celebration, complete with perfect gifts, gourmet meals and matching pajamas,’ he said.

‘Real life doesn’t look like that. Let yourself off the hook,’ he added, as he advised users to focus on what ‘matters’ and ‘forget the rest.’ 

The second thing that worsens seasonal depression is not getting enough sunlight, the mental health pro said. 

He explained that the shorter and darker days can ‘wreak havoc’ on your mental health, and he suggested you go outside while the sun is out and take a walk to help boost your mood. 

‘Number three, reflecting on the past year,’ continued the expert.

‘The end of the year invites self-reflection and it’s easy to dwell on what didn’t go as planned. 

‘Try shifting your focus on what you did accomplish.’ 

Lastly, the therapist noted that the holidays can be a reminder of loved ones who have passed which can make the days harder. 

Portland, Oregon-based therapist, Jeff Guenther, detailed the four main things that cause mental health issues during the colder months in a TikTok video

People on the web flooded the comments section and praised the mental health expert for his advice

‘Find ways to honor them, light a candle, share a story, or start a new tradition in their new memory and remember it’s okay to cry, laugh or both,’ he added at the end of the clip. 

People on the web flooded the comments section and praised the mental health expert for his advice. 

One person said: ‘Such an important message! The holidays can be tough for many.’

Someone else wrote: ‘I love your style of help and enlightenment.’

Another user commented: ‘Good work. Thanks and nice hair.’

‘Thank you, my family was driving me crazy, this helped,’ a fourth person said.