Dancers are no strangers to hard work and dedication, but for many, the winter holiday season can be particularly challenging. Crystal Nicholls, a former dancer in The Lion King on London’s West End, knows this feeling all too well.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects people during specific times of the year, typically from fall to spring. Symptoms can include fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and feelings of isolation. For dancers, the lack of sunlight and long rehearsal schedules can exacerbate these symptoms.
However, with the right tools and support, dancers can learn to manage their SAD and thrive during the winter months. Nicholls, now a health and performance coach, recommends building a “tool kit” of skills and techniques to cope with seasonal depression.
These include:
* Mindfulness practices like journaling and breathwork
* Self-care activities like taking long walks outside or planning time with loved ones
* Building a sense of confidence and competence through daily tasks
* Seeking treatment from a mental health professional
In fact, Nicholls finds that surrounding herself with colleagues at rehearsals can actually help alleviate SAD symptoms. However, after closing night, depressive symptoms can emerge.
Mental health professionals like Kristen Mackel and Leigh Skvarla emphasize the importance of seeking treatment as soon as possible, even if you’re not sure if you fit diagnostic criteria for SAD. With a coping plan in place, dancers can learn to manage their symptoms and thrive during the winter months.
For some, SAD may also affect them during the spring and summer months, when the world around them is full of life and activity. It’s essential to remember that seeking help and building a robust coping plan is just as important, regardless of the season.
Source: https://dancespirit.com/seasonal-affective-disorder-dancers