“Therapist, Heal Thyself.” That statement has been rumbling through my gray matter for the last month at least. I have to tell you, I have been hit hard during this dull, cold, wintery ‘after new years’ with the blues. You probably know the feeling: you're more tired these days, maybe anxious or moody. Some of the most searched topics on the Internet are, “How to be happy”; “How to overcome sadness”; “How to cope with depression”. So many people with so many feelings – feelings that aren’t measuring up to what we want, or need, them to be. There are times in life when we’re going to feel down just as there are times in life when we’re going to feel downright giddy. There is an actual condition associated with the feelings we are experiencing. Though most people tend to think of it as the "winter blues," SAD, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a form of significant depression that's brought on by the change from warm to cold seasons. It affects millions of people worldwide (and approximately 6% of the total US population), leaving many with a feeling of constant dread or anxiety during the winter months. Symptoms of SAD range from a general feeling of melancholy, lowered energy, cravings for sugars and starches, and weight gain to full-blown depression symptoms. Some people may even withdraw from family and friends. I am one of those eternally optimistic people, and even when falling into the potholes of life, choose to believe that things are going to get better. Knowing full well that in a day, week, and especially a year, things are NOT going to feel or look this way. As a therapist I see clients in my office almost weekly, dealing with the type of feelings I have been dealing with. As my daughter once reminded me, “Mom, what would you say to your clients about this” and I have totally taken that advice to heart. If you were in my office today, having a hard time shakin’ the winter blues, I would advise you to stay active. Even if it means walking around the block in the freezing cold. Or take on a light exercise regime. When you have depression or anxiety, exercise often seems like the last thing you want to do. But once you get motivated, exercise can make a big difference. It does wonders to stir up the feel-good endorphins, and other natural brain chemicals that can enhance your sense of well-being. Eat healthy, meaning eat protein first, then carbs. When the blues have you feeling down, carbs are generally the foods that are craved. Open up the blinds… let the light in. Invest in a light box, which is 10 times stronger than ordinary house lights, and serves as therapy by sitting in front of it 30 minutes a day. Take up a new hobby; recently I took a class in making mosaic jewelry and loved it…. It also caused me to get out and socialize, meeting new people. It's been shown that socializing is good for mental health and helps ward off the winter blues. Make an effort to keep in touch with people you care about and accept any invitations you get to social events, even if you only go for a little while. Take a break from Social Media and ruminating on ‘other people’s perfect lives’! Everyone is struggling; they just don’t always show it. Don’t feel the need to compare yourself to others. But most importantly talk it out. IT. IS. OKAY. NOT. TO. BE. OKAY. When someone asks you how you are, be honest. One of the hardest questions to answer when we're not feeling great is "How are you?". It’s okay to tell people that you’re having a bad day. Simple conversations can be life changing; approach someone you trust maybe a relative, a friend or colleague. Show yourself some compassion. Take the time you need to rest, recharge, and breathe. Take care of yourself the best way you know how. You know yourself better than anyone. If you’re going through a hard time, seek out the support of people who love you. Take as much time as you need to feel the emotion and recover. No matter what the external world tells you, you don’t have to be perfect, and it’s okay if you don’t feel okay! "Show me your soul. Show me the most damaged parts of your soul, and I will show you how it still shines like gold." ~ Nikita Gill
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AuthorI am a wife, mother, and grandmother. Late in life I decided to go back to school to become a professional counselor. I have achieved that dream, and am open for business. Archives
August 2019
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