I know you might be thinking I’m talking about the upcoming holidays. Well, I am, kind of. Honestly I’m referring to something else….but I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me tell you a little story. A few years ago one of my little sisters in the faith moved from Sunny Cali to Maryland. For those of you who don’t know, I grew up there. I currently reside in Pennsylvania which is about 2-3 hours away depending on traffic. Anyway, one day we were talking and it was fall. She said to me, “I don’t know what it is but I’ve been feeling down, I’m in a funk and I can’t seem to get out of it.” To which I replied, “Oh babes, you are dealing with what we on the East coast refer to as seasonal depression. You feel down because it is cold, dark earlier/longer…and gloomy skies are the norm.”
Let me tell you Sunshine that the panoramic isn’t helping with this round of seasonal depression either. I’m actually getting hit with it a bit early, so I decided to do some research. What exactly is seasonal depression? Why does it suck so bad? What can we do to fight it? Truth be told, I have enough of life kicking my butt, I don’t need the seasons to add to it.
Simply put, seasonal affective disorder also known as seasonal depression is the time of year where we start to feel not so great. Why? Well I’m glad you asked. As the sunlight decreases, your serotonin levels may decrease as well, triggering depression. Additionally, melatonin levels are impacted. Melatonin plays a role in sleep and mood. But wait, there’s more. Your biological clock is also disturbed and that may also lead to feelings of depression. Mind you, whole time, I thought one’s biological clock was just the desire to wanna conceive and become a mother. Welp!
For those of you who are like me, to those who aren’t, to those who don’t know….
Ask yourself if you are currently experiencing the following:
- Irritability
- Loss of interest
- Low self-esteem
- Tearfulness
- Anxiety
- Feelings of despair
- Stress
- Low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
If you answered yes to 3 or more, shoot, if you answered yes to 1, I got you. I’m not a therapist or a doctor, so this is not medical advice. Consider trying some or all of the following:
- Aromatherapy
- Lightbox
- Journal
- Vitamin D
- Exercise
- Meditation
- Pray
- Socialize
The list above isn’t extensive or exhaustive by any means, but it is a good place to start. No matter where you are in your mood before, during, and after the holiday, know you have options.
Let Your Mood Light Shine!
Raise Your Light 