It’s that time of year again… a light snow dusting the ground, cozying up with a cocoa on the couch with your family, and the memories of your recent Christmas are still in your mind as you decide what your New Year’s resolution will be. Sounds lovely. It is so idyllic that it could be in a Hallmark movie…
ACTUALLY, this is not the experience that many have this time of year. Let’s face it- it’s cold, it’s dark, you might be stressed because your blew your Christmas budget…
But even worse, what if it is difficult just to get out of bed or off of the couch? What if you just can’t get yourself to fold that laundry or cook dinner? The only thing that sounds good is a pizza. Or ice cream. Or alcohol. What if you have ZERO energy and no motivation to get out of those sweatpants and see your friends? Then, you feel guilty because of your above disposition, which then makes you feel worse.
This could be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as ”The Winter Blues.”
SAD is a form of depression that occurs seasonally, most common between late Fall and through the winter, and affects millions of Americans every year.
It tends to run in families and affect those with already-underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD and Bipolar disorder.
What to do?
First, if you are having suicidal thoughts, please GET HELP immediately. Call 9-1-1 if you have to.
If your symptoms are mild to moderate, consider the following:
- light therapy- they make certain lights for this and you can even find them on Amazon. This helps to rebalance the chemicals in your brain that differentiate between night and day. Search for ”light for mood therapy”
- Call a friend or family member and ask them for help/ company/ motivation to get out of the house
- Consider vitamin D supplement- this helps rebalance the serotonin in your brain and can also improve your energy levels
- Find someone to talk to. These days, there are numerous virtual therapists and companies that take both cash and insurance payments. Some examples are Betterhelp and Talkspace. Everyone needs some help sometimes, and sometimes only a professional will do. It’s easier than it seems and no judgements. You are NOT the only one.
- You may need to start a medication if your symptoms are moderate to severe or #1-4 just aren’t doing the trick. Don’t be afraid of this- it can help you get back to YOU.
If this (very long) post reached just one person and made them feel they aren’t alone, I did my job.
Please note: I do not officially endorse one specific company and I am definitely not paid by them.