Seasonal Depression

I was telling someone the other day that it's "depression season." It is sad to say, but it truly is. During the holidays we tend to fill our lives with the joy that the holidays are supposed to bring. Advertising tells us to buy, buy, buy. Create those moments of romance, love and connection. But for some people it is a constant reminder that they are facing something else. That things have changed since the last holiday, the romance, love and connections are being divided; they are facing divorce, separation or loss. Depression is not always chemical, and it does not always look the same on each person. Neither does hope; we all find ways to keep what is bothering us hidden deep where we think people won’t see it, but before it decides to explode into actions that are not even related to the real reason, we need to take the steps to identify what needs to change. Right now, we need to find a way to change the "depression season" and find hope, faith and new traditions. How do we find those positives when we are constantly bombarded with what we don't have, what we lost and what we would like to have?

It is hard not to dwell on what we lost. We, as humans, tend to pull ourselves down into the depths of our hearts where the pain overwhelms us. We tend to look at everything we have done wrong instead of looking at what we do right. We are harder on ourselves than anyone in our lives would be. We find our flaws and focus on them. What we need to do is change that focus. Find our strengths and concentrate on them. Instead of making a list of what's wrong with us, we need to make a list of what is right. Instead of making a list of what we want in our lives, we need to make a list of what we need or what we already have. Instead of focusing on what is gone, focus on what is coming. What positives do you have in your life? You’re breathing, right? You’re awake, you are here, you’re trying to find a way out of the depression you are feeling right now. That is a positive. Focus on that, you’re trying to move forward.

I know for me it's always a list. I tend to list things that need to get done, even when I clean, so that I have things I can mark off as finished. Maybe a list would work for you. Try listing the things you need to do for yourself. When you get out of bed, find one thing for that day that is positive. One thing to check off that list. Make it a habit every day to find one positive thing that has been done. Even if it's only that you got out of bed, off the couch or that you even slept. Those are all positives.

If those holidays ads are bothering you, turn the tv, internet or radio off. Turn on some music, get outside and breathe. Go for a walk, read a book, do anything to shake up that monotonous cycle that is bringing you down. Make the change. Repeat your positives to yourself. Look for new ones, make them grow. Water yourself with praise for finding the good in you instead of the bad.

Facing depression is hard but you are not alone. Depression is normal, we all face it at some point. If you feel you need help pulling out of the "depression season" you can contact your local counseling service, medical professionals or emailme at [email protected]. Find me on Twitter or Facebook.