Countering Seasonal Depression

SEASONAL DEPRESSION, A CONDITION THAT CAN BE TREATED
Anna recently shared with us what led her to our spa and massage.

November 2024, Anna experiences a significant drop in energy for the first time. Without any apparent reason, she constantly feels tired, gets irritated easily, and gradually loses her usual good mood. “I didn’t recognize myself anymore,” she confesses. She then learns that she is suffering from seasonal depression, just like 20% of the Canadian population. A first for her! However, she doesn’t just sit back; she takes an interest in this type of depression, also known as the winter blues.

LIGHT THERAPY TO COUNTER SEASONAL DEPRESSION
Her research leads her to discover light therapy and its direct benefits on the symptoms of seasonal depression. The PSiO, a light therapy and relaxation device available at Spa Ovarium, catches her attention. Why? “I was drawn to the combined effects of positive suggestions, light, and mental relaxation,” she mentions. Visiting the spa reassures her. “It was a unique experience, and I felt like I was becoming myself again!”

REDUCING STRESS: A SOLUTION FOR BALANCE
Fortunately, Anna doesn’t wait until she hits rock bottom to seek solutions for her well-being. She takes advantage of this uncomfortable period to reassess her lifestyle habits. “I set myself a goal that year: to reduce my stress level,” she tells us. She commits to adopting sustainable changes by exploring natural methods, particularly those that promote well-being beyond a single session.

THE EXPERIENCE OF DEEP RELAXATION
Naturally curious and on the recommendation of a friend, she contacts us again that same year to experience floating therapy. Our team welcomes her and explains in detail what she is about to experience. The floating pod intrigues her, and she takes the plunge. “I never expected to lose my sense of time and space to that extent, right in the heart of Montreal!” she shares enthusiastically. “Floating weightlessly is an exceptional experience!” By eliminating all external stimuli (light, noise, temperature fluctuations, weight), she achieves an extraordinary level of deep relaxation. “And that’s an understatement,” she adds. “Plus, the effect lasted four days!” This experience reveals to her that she is constantly stimulated by her environment and had never allowed her brain to fully rest.

THE SPA EXPERIENCE WITH MASSAGE
Determined to stick to her commitment to lasting well-being, she opts for a six-session floating therapy package “to start.” Knowing that she sometimes struggles to keep her resolutions, she wants to ensure she feels a real change. Not only does she follow through, but she also discovers an even more powerful combination for relaxation: spa with massage. “I knew it was good for me, and after the second session, I added a therapeutic massage to see if I could reach an even deeper level of relaxation.”

After discussing with Sara, a dedicated massage therapist, Anna chooses to combine her floating therapy with a therapeutic massage—enveloping, gentle, and deep—to release her tensions. “And that was total surrender,” she recounts. “A complete letting go that allowed me to truly and deeply recentre myself.” She describes restorative sleep, amplified energy, greater openness to others… and the return of her contagious good mood! Enthusiastic, Anna then explores different therapeutic massage techniques, adapting each session to her current state.

A COMMITMENT TO ONESELF
The result? These discoveries allow her to uphold her commitment by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, maintaining a rich social life, and keeping her stress levels minimal. Bravo, Anna!

Like Anna, you too can choose your own anti-stress formula and give yourself the gift of health.

Written by: Christine from MExpérience