What to do When Seasonal Depression is Sucking the Life Out of You

Winter depression is real, folks. I’ve always identified myself as a sunshiney person, so when winter rolls around, I start to get antsy.  The truth is, my anxiety about the changing seasons really stopped when I started to learn more about the need for slower months. The need, y’all. It’s really necessary!

See the World Going Through the Same Thing

Look all around you--it’s not just humans that experience seasonal depression. The leaves are dying and falling off the trees, there are more hours of darkness and temperatures drop lower and lower. The universe is encouraging you to slow down. So why do we fight it?

The Value of Winter Depression

In our society, we aim for productivity and achievement. This is easy to do when the sun and the season is light and bright, but it’s more challenging when the shift to cold and darker months bring on early fatigue and mood shifts. Our bodies are a natural living organism. Just like nature around us, we must turn inward to rest up until spring comes. When everything around us is dim and dark, we are naturally inclined to retreat and slow down.

Fighting this natural inclination is what causes suffering: when we attempt to go against our nature. In the western world we are constantly fighting nature. We work during hours that should be reserved for rest. We stay active at times that would benefit from calm. The first step into fighting seasonal affective disorder is to admit that there are seasons. Not just in weather patterns, but also in our own inner landscape.

Use Rest for Fuel

What fuels those long summer days of staying outside doing yardwork, taking evening walks and playing with the kids? A winter of recuperating, resting and looking inward.

I imagine embracing the winter’s cues feels most difficult for people who don’t value inner work. If it’s difficult for you to imagine that slowing down is important, then listen up: to decrease burnout, rest may actually be the most productive thing you can do.

Embrace the Darkness

Forget those “seasonal depression” lights that people are using, I’m asking you to embrace the natural darkening of the season. Have all the fun you want when the sun’s out and up, but just as the world gets dark, so should you. Turn in earlier; look towards your own “darker” parts of yourself. The universe is aiding you during this time of year. Feel that support as you embark on important shadow work. This means taking this season to really nurture the parts of you that need healing. Think about what hasn’t been working well for you and start to investigate why. What fears come up as you think about changing those parts of yourself? What values are we privileging if we do change? If we don’t?

Seasonal Affective Disorder and the Holidays

As if winter depression wasn’t enough to bring us down, the fact that many people observe traditional family holidays can also add to the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Going back home or visiting family can remind you of old wounds. Perhaps you have to fall back into a role with your family that you’ve grown out of, and you have fears about showing your true self to these people.

I’m telling you, it’s a lot.

Remember, your feelings are totally valid. It IS a pain in the neck to have to pretend you’re okay when you’re not. It IS hard to put on a happy face when you’re not feeling merry or joyful. Honor what’s coming up for you. Recognize when you feel uncomfortable and allow yourself to experience whatever feelings that you have. Make sure you’re nourishing and comforting yourself when you feel unsupported by family or friends.

Setting Boundaries for Success

It’s absolutely okay to say no, too. Set boundaries that will prepare you for a successful holiday season. I suggest taking a day on either side of family gatherings for self-compassionate thought and preparation as well as reflection time to care for any feelings that came up for you during the family time.

Learn how to show up for yourself this season as your best ally.

Find a good friend or someone who can also understand your down moments. If you need a listening ear, reach out to a therapist. For counseling in Kansas City, you can schedule an appointment with me here.

 Remember, you don’t have to do it alone and you’re not crazy for counting down the minutes until the first day of spring. It’s a hard time. Give yourself space to embrace all that good shadow work that the universe is supporting in you right now.

Journal Your Path to Fight Seasonal Depression

What hasn’t been working well for you?

Why?

What fears come up as you think about changing those parts of yourself?

What values are you privileging if you do initiate a change?

What values are you privileging if you stay put?

What boundaries do you need to put in place to ensure you honor your need for rest and recuperation during this time?

What can you anticipate getting in the way?

What supports can you lean on when you lose sight of the importance of rest?