Depression doesn't look the same on everyone. Depression can look like overcompensation. Fatigue. Sadness. Smiling. Fear. Optimism. Over-eating. Under-Eating.
There is no one way for depression to look. We hear this term thrown around often, without fully realizing there are levels to depression's effect on individuals.
Have you ever heard of seasonal depression? Some may have heard of it, and thought it was a joke. But nope, it's a real thing!
Seasonal depression is a form of depression that comes at a certain time of the year. Typically, that season is the winter months. It is said to beginning affecting people between the ages of 20-30. There are many reasons why this depression is tapped during this time, the top are:
- Holiday Season without Loved Ones
- Financial woes from the holiday season
- Reduced daylight/Sunlight (Vitamin deficiency)
Many of us have had seasonal depression at some point in our lives. Even me. More than once.
It's important that we are protecting ourselves when we are most vulnerable. Some of the well-known symptoms of seasonal depression are:
- - Less Energy/ Fatigue
- - Not Eating/ Eating More Than Normal
- - No desire to be social/ Decreased productivity
- - Unbalanced Emotions
So, what can we do to get a handle on seasonal depression? Here is a list of 4 things you can start today.
1. PROTECT YOUR ENERGY! - There will be many things going on around you, that may force you to lose balance. Work, friends, or relationships may be overly stressful. Because of this, you have to make yourself a priority. Also, sometimes protecting your energy consists of protecting your purse and/or wallet.
2. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP- I am a strong advocate for therapy, not just because of my social work background, but because I know how much therapy has helped me in the past and its value in the present. By seeking professional help, you are able to work through your problems and emotional needs with an unbiased ear.
3. TAKE MULTI-VITAMINS- This is a hard one to stay consistent with, I know it is for me at least. By taking a daily multi-vitamin with Vitamin D, you are able to help keep your body's hormones in place by keeping nutrients present.
4. KEEP YOUR LOVED ONES NEAR- Depression as a result of death is very hard. We often think about the moments that we are no longer able to experience. By looking at and acknowledging the spiritual presence of your loved one, over the physical, it makes it easier to feel as if they are still with you. This is a hard process, and is easier to get through with the help of a professional.
If you or anyone you know, are having thoughts of suicide, are in need of talking to someone, suffering from depression, or would like more information. Check out the resources below:
- Find A Therapist Here
- National Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-448-4663
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- The network of crisis centers provide emotional support and guidance to people in distress and are also available via a chat service and a special hotline number for the hearing impaired: 1-800-799-4889
- National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
- Call the National Hopeline to connect with a depression treatment center in your area.
Like they say as you prepare for take-off. You must put on your oxygen mask first, before helping someone else. Is your mask on? Subscribe here for blog updates and future information.