Tag: seasonal depression

WINTER BLUES

Published on by Aimee Eddy3 Comments

This winter has been hard on everyone, even those in the south. Everyone is done with the snow, cold temperatures, and gloomy days especially those with seasonal depression and mental illness. It’s hard to see past long days, shoveling snow, and bitter cold. Even people without mental health problems are struggling. We have had mild winters for a few years and gotten spoiled. How do we look past the gloom of winter?

When I was a kid, I used to play outside until my hands were numb and I couldn’t feel my face. We built snowmen, made snow angels, and went sledding. Winter was fun. Now as an adult I wonder how I ever I liked winter. Now there is shoveling, scraping ice off windshield, layers of clothing, boots, and dark at five PM. I go to work while it’s gray and return home when it’s dark out. My spirits take a dip.

This winter has especially been hard. Right after Thanksgiving, we were buried with five feet of snow. Everyone was digging themselves out and many couldn’t leave their homes. Then last week we got an arctic blast with below zero temperatures. Plus, it just keeps snowing. I hear my customers complain about the winter each day and say they can’t wait until spring. I even feel the winter blues. I want to leave the house without a coat and gloves. I long to wear shorts and tank tops. I can’t wait until days stay light until nine and I feel more energetic after work. How do we cope with the winter blues?

For me the best way of dealing with the blues is looking for something positive about winter. Below are five positives I found about winter.

  • When the snow is new, it’s pretty. When we get a fresh coat of snow, it’s pure white and glitters when the sun peeks out. Staring out at it from inside with a cup of hot chocolate is peaceful.
  • Snow is better than other natural disasters. With snow we still have our warm homes and belongings to go back to. In some parts of the world people are losing everything to tornadoes, hurricanes and fires. We are lucky to have just snow.
  • A snow day is a good time to spend the day in pj’s. On bad days, when you can’t get out of the house, it’s a good time to wear your pj’s all day and binge on Netflix or movies.
  • Winter is a good time for hot comfort foods. This time of year is perfect for chili, homemade soups, and baked goods. Who doesn’t like chili or soup on a cold day? Baking helps warm up the house and smells good.
  • It’s never too cold for ice cream. The best part of eating ice cream in the winter is being able to keep warm while eating it. It could be negative ten degrees out and you can sit in your warm home snuggled up in blankets and eat a bowl of ice cream.

Can you come up with your own positives about winter? Sit down with a journal or piece of paper and list five things you think are positive about this time of year. Write five positives each day. Remember while you are struggling with the winter blues to take care of yourself. If you are dealing with seasonal depression and other mental illnesses, remember to use coping techniques, take your medication, and talk with a therapist when needed. I use my coping techniques, journaling my positives, and my support system to get through this tough winter. Finding the positives helps me dance in the

SEASONAL DEPRESSION

Published on by Aimee Eddy2 Comments

Seasonal depression takes place with the changing seasons. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) starts in the fall and continues throughout the winter when the days shorten, it gets darker sooner, and days are bleak. SAD lessens in the spring and summer. Many people struggle with this illness and find the change of seasons very difficult to handle.

My best friend, Cheryl, struggles with seasonal depression and I questioned her to find out more about this condition. Below are my questions and Cheryl’s answers.

When does your seasonal depression begin?

I usually struggle around this time of year. Especially when it gets dark at the earliest time.

What are your symptoms of Seasonal Depression?

I have a deep non-interest in doing things I usually like to do, a strong urge to sleep my day away, racing thoughts, an urge to withdraw and isolate, and racing thoughts.

What makes Seasonal Depression worsen?

Besides the fact that it’s added depression on top of the depression I deal with every day, when people don’t take the time to understand it and tell me to “snap out of it” among other unsolicited advice.

When did you first realize you had Seasonal Depression?

I’d say just a few years ago when I realized I was way more depressed during this time of year.

Do the holidays make your seasonal depression worse?

Depends, sometimes they do and sometimes not as much.

How do the holidays make it worse at times?

Just not having everyone I love around to celebrate and the added stress the holidays bring.

How do you cope with Seasonal Depression?

I continue to take my medication and do my best to use coping skills I learned in therapy. I also rely on my support system when I need to talk things out.

What are some of your coping techniques?

I try to think of positive things going on around me, finding something to do to bring more positive thoughts, and using a sunlight lamp that imitates the brightness of the sun.

What advice do you give to others struggling with seasonal depression?

Seek therapy if not already in it. If you are in therapy, make sure you are using your coping skills learned in therapy. Take your medicine as prescribed if you are on medication. Don’t hesitate to rely on your support system around you.

If you feel deep sadness when the seasons change, seek help. With proper treatment your Seasonal Depression can be managed. Educate your friends and family about SAD so they can better understand how to help you. Ask friends and family members to be a part of your support system. A support system is a group of people who are willing to listen to you, encourage you, and support you during your bad days.

Cheryl copes each year with her seasonal depression. Some days are harder than others. She is a determined woman who doesn’t give up when things get hard. She fights with all her strength and uses coping techniques to get through the fall and winter. Her strength and determination helps her stand in the light of recovery.