Depression in the Winter

It sounds depressing to read about depression . . . in the winter. Yet, we must face reality. We cannot deny our pain, sorrow, and grief. Sometimes depression is temporary, and others times it is a lifetime struggle. There are numerous triggers.

The winter is particularly a rough time for those that battle with ongoing depression. It is the time of year that most likely prompts the temporary down feeling for anyone experiencing difficulties and extreme stress. The edge leans towards despair because of things like consistent darkness, short days, colder weather, and the collapsing light at the end of the summer and autumn tunnel.

As an upbeat, laid back individual depression has not been a consistent trouble for me. There are some instances, however, that I realize that I’ve come through a season of despair. I look back and see the signs. If someone does not know you, they don’t understand this is not “like” you. It is not you being yourself. They don’t know any better. For those that do know you, they may not realize what is happening because you hide it well or they underestimate it to be a significant problem. With that said, it is not common for someone to initiate asking us if we need help. Obviously, it is not easy for us to begin reaching out to others. That combination leads to us being stuck.

If you are reading this and it is manifesting more sadness, it is not the intent of the blog post. But . . . it is a signal that you are hurting and in need of help. Depression does not make someone a weak individual or even in need of a psychiatric code blue. It can lead to a severity that is black and hopeless but not always. Sometimes it is a low level “blah” that prevents an authentic smile or laughter from the gut. None of this provides excuses for us to be dysfunctional or irresponsible but we must understand that it adds heavy weights to functioning well. It is like quicksand . . . difficult to step out of.

I love the changing colors of the leaves in autumn, Thanksgiving food, Christmas lights, and the anticipation of the holiday festivities. Yet, I found myself noticing the orange, yellow, and reds blossoming but not enjoying it as many times in years past. It did not add up when compared to my excitement every other year. It was like hearing a favorite song but not being able to listen with satisfaction. Then the last bright leaves fell until they were gone.

The food before Black Friday, it was okay. Normally, I stuff my face. The all you can eat diet. This year it was the same cooks and recipes as in years past. It was not made any different. It was me this time. But you move on to the next thing. Christmas lights were being put up everywhere. Some houses were decorated this year that had never been lighted up before. It didn’t seem bright enough, though. The weeks flew past and then the lights . . . came down. How about that New Year’s party? Well, it’s over. Now we are in the middle of winter, and there may be colder weather ahead.

Are you stuck? We can all get that way. Maybe you are having a great winter. Maybe all this drab talk seems foreign. Have you noticed anyone that isn’t having an upbeat winter? Do you see the people around you that seem to be existing and not necessarily living? There is a solution. There is something that can be done. Meet halfway. If you are struggling, go out on a limb and tell a person who isn’t so down. Take a leap of faith and admit what you are going through to someone.

If you aren’t going through the ringer right now, be a good Samaritan and start observing today who may need your help. If you aren’t sure, just start asking people sincerely how they are doing. Be ready to get an earful or even a breakdown. It may be exactly the medicine someone needs. You don’t have to be a doctor. Just a friend.

We are available to chat. We don’t have it all together. We could use the company too. The common denominator is the “we” in those statements. It is better to not be alone especially in the winter when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. We . . . are here if you need anything. Maybe some of us know exactly what you are going through.