Do you notice a change in your mood, energy level, eating, or sleep patterns at particular times of the year? Perhaps you see these shifts in someone you love. Did you know that people can experience depression in certain seasons?
Each year about November, a good friend of mine, Tom, would slowly withdraw. He would sit so often with a blank stare, quietly remove himself from gatherings, or even sleep while hosting a party. Holiday cheer was a chore.
He would then step into the new year, disconnected until late spring. In April, Tom would reappear, ready to engage and join in. However, I struggled to let life with him return to how it was before. At first, I had felt abandoned and set aside and then became accustomed to life with an absent friend. When he reappeared, it felt like an interruption or intrusion. This pattern went on year after year.
If I had understood what was happening, I might have responded differently, more kindly, loving, helpful, and focused on my friend’s needs and struggles.
When we know better, we can do better, and today is a great day to start. #newday Click To Tweet
Will you take a moment to learn about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is depression in certain seasons? This type of disorder is real and comes about with seasonal changes. There are treatments and actions one can do to help alleviate the suffering. Also, knowing the symptoms will pass and that you are not alone can help. Paula Short wrote a fantastic post on Seasonal Affective Disorder. In her article, she shares her experience and helpful links and information.
Grace & Truth Link-Up | The Most Popular Post in February 2023
Each month at Embracing the Unexpected, we look back at the previous month to see which blog posts received the most clicks. Last month’s most popular article is from Paula Short, who blogs at Simply Coffee & Jesus.
“Those Winter Doldrums” by Paula Short
Today, our featured post on Grace & Truth Link-Up is written by Paula Short—“Those Winter Doldrums.” #graceandtruth #featuredpost Click To TweetPlease click over and then drop back to share your thoughts on depression in certain seasons. Please share any tips that might help someone with Seasonal Affective Disorder.
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Maree, thank you for addressing this important subject. The more we understand mental illness and SAD, the more we can help those around us.
Hi Maree,
Dealing with depression–whatever its cause–is painful for everyone involved. I hope Tom gives you as much grace as you do him.
Blessings,
Tammy
Ah, thank you, Tammy. I have had to work on Grace over the last year, especially when it comes to extending it to myself. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Maree
Maree, thank you for sharing about your friend Tom’s SAD. It’s hard to understand why people withdraw. And how wise to realize that SAD played a role in that. I guess, when people in our lives, deal with this, we have the privilege of showing them grace. I so appreciate you addressing this topic and sharing Paula’s post.
Jeanne, I love what you said, “we have the privilege of showing them grace.” You are so right. It is an honor. Thank you for stopping by to read and comment. Maree
Thanks for sharing, although many do struggle with the dark, cold days of winter there is a very real condition that affects some people so badly!
Sharon, I agree the condition is real, and the quicker we can accept this, the more we can help. Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have a great Sunday. Maree
The shorter days of winter can be hard leading to symptoms of SAD. I know many people who add light into their days to help their mood. I know I have less energy in the evenings. Sometimes during the dark, early evenings, I will go to a well-lit store just to get some brightness into my life! My drive to and from work is no longer in the dark, so I know we are heading into the long days of summer. SAD’s is real, and I believe it is very important to have the tools ready to help when winter approaches. And to never, ever beat ourselves up because we feel the winter “blues.”
Thank you for adding your insights. I love your ideas about getting more light and being prepared. You have given me an idea of how to help those I love. I hope you have a great weekend. Maree
Maree, Thank you so much for the feature, I was so surprised! I’m 51 and I began experiencing Seasonal Affect Disorder since my mid 30’s. Mine runs from fall time change to spring time change. Woot Woot, that’s next weekend. {{Hugs}}
All the thanks go to you for your vulnerability and wisdom in writing on this important topic. Thank you for using your struggle to help others. I hope spring brings on beautiful changes. Blessings, Maree
I’ve not had personal experience with that kind of depression but I know it can be challenging for others. My times of struggling with feelings of depression have been more related to life events.
Thank you for sharing, Donna. Depression can be so challenging no matter how it comes about. Was there anything in particular that helped you through your feelings of depression? Maree
We have seen a rise in SAD here in Australia Maree over the last few decades, it was mainly a Northern Hemisphere occurrence once upon a time. As we have plenty of sunshine here all year round.
We mainly know it as “seasonal depressive disorder”. As professional Clinicians, we don’t have an explanantion for this occurrence on the rise here but we do walk alongside those who suffer from this disorder.
Blessings, Jennifer
Thank you for sharing, Jennifer. That is interesting about the increase and how it was mainly a Northern Hemisphere occurrence. I have no doubt you walking alongside someone with the disorder would be so helpful. I don’t know where our family would be without some fantastic clinicians we have met. Thank you for the work you do. Maree