We are officially rolling into what I like to call “The Dark Months.” I speak for about 99.9% of people who are suffering depression when I say that we dread this time. The Dark Months are basically the whole season of winter. It’s always cloudy, its always cold, and everything is dead. We crave those winter days where we can actually see the sun, and maybe even some grass peeking out from the snow melting. Because who would want to be outside when it is so cold and gloomy out? I’d much rather want to stay in, wrap myself in a blanket with some hot chocolate, and binge watch “Psych” (which I highly recommend) on Netflix . My official name for this is the “human burrito.”
If you didn’t know already, there is a mental illness called “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or “SAD.” This is a type of depressive disorder that comes around toward the end of fall, and beginning of winter, then goes away when spring rolls around. Before we can solve the problem, we need to find the source of the problem. What causes people with depression and SAD to be this way during the winter?
The answer to that question is a collection of things, the biggest being vitamin D. We simply aren’t getting enough vitamin D. Scientists have found a link between vitamin D and chemicals in the brain. People who suffer from depression aren’t getting enough of that chemical. Our main source of vitamin D is the sun, which seems to disappear during the winter. How to solve this problem? Eat foods that have vitamin D. Fish, milk, oysters, shrimp, mushrooms and orange juice are some examples. Other things you could do are take vitamin D supplements, or you could go to the tanning salon. Studies show that its sufficient to get at least 15 minutes of sun each day.
Another reason we suffer a deeper depression are all of the obligations that come with the season. For many people, the holidays can be very stressful and depressing. Many people hate the idea of being around their whole family at one table. Being interrogated with questions about college, significant others, jobs, money, the future, etc. Its all so overwhelming. And let’s not forget about the expenses that come with the holidays. There are so many people you care about that you want to treat. A solution to these holiday blues are:
1) Take a deep breath before you start your conversation about your future with Aunt Sally, or simply say quick phrases that will quickly end the conversation.
2) Bring a phone charger. Sit in grandpa’s chair, and pretend to be super interested in an article your reading.
3) Set a budget for gifts. Decide who you want to spoil and who deserves the little mug with candy. I know it’s hard to prioritize the people you love, but you also have to prioritize your college loans over gifts, too.
Overall, these are little things to help you survive this dark and treacherous season. The biggest tip I can give you is to see a professional. See your doctor and have them refer you to a therapist and maybe even some medication. Therapy helps you face your struggles and solve them. These people are experts who know what they’re doing. The first step to recovery is facing your problem. Don’t ever forget that someone cares about you, and would love for you to talk to them. There is nothing wrong with asking for help.
Don’t feel you have to be doing something at all times during the winter. Being overscheduled can be stressful. It’s okay to sometimes be a human burrito.