Since it’s almost October and it’s raining and you may be feeling this way, too
Seasonal depression (any depression) is really scary. Beyond even being depressed, feeling like there’s this huge storm coming because it’s almost winter and, with winter, comes this five month long angry-sad-confused-irritable-lonely time. It doesn’t have to be that way, but the fear (oh my god, the FEAR) is still there.
In case you feel this way too, here’s how I do my best to beat it every year, from THIS POST in January.
1) GO SEE SOMEONE.
I never talked about it last year, but in late August, I started seeing a psychologist. I know! Me! Who seems SUPER MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY WITH IT. (Kidding.) No, I just felt like after the last couple of years being really tough, it was time. I recommend going in with a goal. Mine was “figure out the emotional toll that going to college at 14 took on me!” and also “work around Seasonal Depression” but yours could just be “talk about your feelings” or something. I don’t know. Find someone you like and feel comfortable baring yourself to (this is hard) and make sure that you are getting something out of every. single. session. Your time and money (major resources!) are precious and so are you, lil muffin.
2) GET A SUN LAMP
I use mine at work. You may recall that I started a new gig in November (prime sun lamping time) and you know what? No shame in my sun lamp game. I use it every week day from around 9 AM to 11 AM - really no more than 1.5 hours depending on when I get in/remember to turn it on/remember to turn it off. I don’t use it after 12 PM because I don’t want to mess with my circadian rhythms (oh shit, big words - just means like, your sleep cycle). You do you with this but I believe in the power of the sun lamp.
3) GET UP EARLY
Oh my god, the worst one of all! I am a morning person but I hate getting out of bed. I also live in a den with NO WINDOWS so for exaaaample it could be 11 AM and one might think it’s 3 AM and one might stay in bed for the entire day. One might. I wouldn’t know. But seriously, get out of bed. Go for a walk. Go to the gym. Get to work early. Be up with the sun so that you get the most out of the daylight. (insufferable)
4) WORK OUT
It’s true. Endorphins make you happy and happy people don’t kill their husbands (or rather, happy people don’t get too too bogged down by the late sunrises and early sunsets). Also, find a place that you like. I like classes, it’s the only thing that motivates me, and furthermore, I like classes at a place that cares if I’m there (not sponsored but if you’re in DC get you a spot at Biker Barre). If your preferred exercise is the elliptical or stationary bike or walking your dog or yoga, try to do it in the morning.
5) DEEP BREATHS AND REPEAT: “THIS WILL END.”
Summer is coming, I promise. The deep, dark, depth that you feel enveloping your heart and brain will not envelope your brain forever. One of the most helpful things that my therapist has told me is: “You’re getting anxious and sad about things that haven’t happened. These lines of thoughts in your head are being CREATED by you.” When I argued back that I’m a planner, I like to plan for the worst, she said: “Plan for the worst and then let it go. If the worst happens,” - WHICH, BTW, IT HAS - “You have a plan, but dwelling on it will not make it better.” Do something about your sadness, but do not dwell on it.
6) STAY BUSY
This winter, I’ve committed to:
- Swing dancing lessons once a week
- Working at Biker Barre twice a week (in the mornings)
- 7 Biker Barre classes a week
- 3 yoga classes a week
- I joined a women’s rec basketball league so practice once a week, games once a week on Sundays
Bottom line: Find something(s) you like to do that you can maybe do by yourself (learn a language! join a book club!) that will get you out of the house and ideally better yourself so that you can get all up on your high horse.
7) MAYBE DON’T DRINK I DON’T KNOW IT’S UP TO YOU
By no means am I doing Sober January (but good for you if you are!) but I have stopped drinking for the most part. I didn’t drink much before - I don’t drink on weeknights anyway but I’ve cut way back (holidays excluded WHAT A MESS) because red wine hangovers are not conducive to waking up early, making work outs, or really being my best self. UNFORCH.
8) DO DRINK LOTS OF WATER
This is all year round though, you hydrated diamond you.
I don’t know guys. I hope this helps you because we’re all just trying to make it through the most miserable season together. GOOD LUCK.