Gifts for Seasonally Depressed Friends

Sometimes just knowing someone is thinking about you makes all the difference

’Tis the season for cloudy gray skies, rain, and an overall lack of incentives to go outside and do anything (Florida & California are exempt). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a gift that keeps on giving and it SUCKS. This will be my first Portland fall and winter, and I am already dreading the impending disappearance of the sun.

Given my personal history of depression, I am reluctant to make suggestions on ways of boosting your mood during the dreary seasons. Sometimes nothing seems to help, and unsolicited advice about “buying’” your way out of depression is infuriating!

But after a few conversations with friends (and my psychiatrist) about strategies for warding off the fall/winter blues, I’ve decided to share a list of gifts SAD-afflicted, seasonally depressed people might appreciate. After all, sending a gift shows you care, and sometimes just knowing someone is thinking about you makes all the difference.

Here are some gift ideas for seasonally SAD friends and family.

Lighting

I’m not just talking about therapy lights. Holiday lights, neon signs, novelty lamps in…