As summer fades and leaves change, the time for transition begins. While some welcome the cold, dark months, excited to celebrate highly anticipated holidays, others use this time to hibernate, separating themselves from the festivities that are meant to be enjoyed by all.
No matter how hard seasonal depression may hit you, the concept of change is a difficult one to master. Less sun during the day and the moon’s early appearance create an ambiance not many know how to cope with.
The colors of the trees begin to darken, and unfortunately, so do our spirits. For some, seasonal depression is just that, seasonal. For others, depressive thoughts and episodes continue to linger, even as the world gets brighter.
Although there is no clear cure for depression, there are ways symptoms can be minimized, and for a brief second, alleviated.
It is important to understand symptoms of depression often come in episodes. While you may experience a period of joy, it is possible for feelings of depression to come up again later.
In contrast, it is the same vice versa. While you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, it is possible for feelings of joy to come up again.
Although nothing lasts forever, sadness still demands to be felt. And while there is no way to “just get over it”, there are many possible outlets to help get through it.
Nature is a great place to start. Picking up different routines, like taking daily walks or spending a slow morning outdoors is a great reminder of how beautiful everything around us is, even when it doesn’t always feel that way. Picking up hobbies, like taking care of plants or gardening are also great ways to get through tough emotions. Seeing progress and growth in something you helped nurture is an emotional reminder that things can get better; it just takes a little time.
Another way that may help alleviate symptoms of depression may be being more mindful with what we consume. This goes for both physical and mental health. As humans, we are products of our environment. If I continue to consume media that only feeds into depressive thoughts, I will continue to fan the flame, making it all the more difficult to eventually put out. However, by consuming a different type of media, or even minimizing media altogether, it leaves space for pleasant feelings to coexist.
The same goes for our dietary intake. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Diet is such an important component of mental health.” While eating unhealthily makes us feel good in the moment, it leaves lasting effects on our mental health, sometimes without us even noticing. According to Dr. Tello of Harvard Medical School, high intakes of healhier foods are associated with decreased risks of depression. Overconsumption of processed food with added sugars are associated with increased risks of depression. Being more mindful about what we feed our bodies and minds is not only an act of self-love, but also worth it in the long-run.
Finally, as difficult as it sounds, embracing the trial ahead, and facing the pain is the bravest way to cope with symptoms of seasonal depression. Seasons changing are inevitable, the nights are coming in faster, and the time is going to pass anyway. Maybe we should rebrand the change, no longer being sad to say goodbye to the sun, but welcoming the night with open arms.
The outlets to cope with symptoms of seasonal depression are not cures, just ways to be mindful and possibly help alleviate some of the heaviest feelings. There is no shortcut to feeling okay again. Ultimately, the only way out of it is through it, and it is entirely possible.