Depression, Weather and the Holidays

It’s that time of year again. Yes, the holidays are upon us. But so are the dark days of fall and winter. And both of those are triggers for depression and suicide in many individuals.

The state of society as a whole is not conducive to happy living at the moment. Many are financially strapped and unsure how they will keep gas in the car, food on the table, or even the roof over their heads. Paychecks from a single full-time job can’t cover the cost of daily living anymore.

Budgeting works only if there is sufficient income to cover expenses. Even giving up luxuries and extras isn’t enough for some people to get through each month. Falling behind just once is enough to prevent catching up for a long time.

Now, going into the holiday season without money is even more depressing. How can we have holiday dinners or share gifts with our loved ones when we can’t take care of our own affairs?

If you add in the natural depression that comes with the onset of cold, snow, and lack of sunlight, life can seem unlivable. Each day that heavy cloud hangs over, threatening to drop more rain on an already soaked heart.

How do you get out of it? What can a person do to get through it? Is there a way to cure this depression?

First of all, if this is you, don’t give up! The first step in getting through it is to recognize you have depression. A good indication is the overwhelming feeling of fatigue and low energy.

Reach out for help. If you are feeling completely without hope, call or text 988, and someone will put you on a path of help and hope. The person at the other end can find resources and help for you.

Much of depression can be overcome with a little self-care and focus. Sometimes just getting some exercise and taking a shower will help clear the mud in your head and help you find hope.

Ask for help. Talk to your friends and loved ones and let them know that you are struggling. Maybe an afternoon lunch or a coffee meeting can lift your spirits.

Reach out to a trained therapist. They not only can talk you through the bad moments, but they also have resources at their disposal to try to help you.

Depression doesn’t have to be deadly, but you have to be willing to ask for help and accept it if it is offered.

If you notice a friend of yours with depression, discreetly offer to be there. Invite them to spend time with you. Ask them if you can help them. Reach out to mutual friends to help them.

The worst thing for depression is to be alone, and yet most people who are depressed will crave it. They will not want to bother with people or interaction.

The secret is to get that energy flowing. Once you move, it helps you want to move a little more.

Each day IS a struggle with depression. But there is help and there is hope.