Many of us may feel sad, alone or maybe even nothing after the holiday season, and this can be very common. I get asked a lot this time of year: why do I feel so sad? or why do I feel like nothing? or why do I feel so alone? or why do I feel this way? There are many reasons that have been studied as to why we feel holiday depression, or some refer to it as January depression, or seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder. Regardless of what you call it, here are 3 reasons I feel depressed after the holidays, and more importantly, how you can help challenge or support yourself during this time. Any other tips that have worked for you? Support the community and leave them in the comments. Shop my latest book Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Winter will be over soon. Spring will come again. The sun won’t be just a memory anymore. The earth will unfreeze. The flowers will grow. The birds will return. You will survive this. And everything will be okay.
Over the last couple years, I’ve grown to understand how to manage my episodes better. This has been interesting because when I was younger, I lived with a fear that as I age it would get harder. Personally, learning how to manage bipolar episodes has been accepting preparation with flexibility.
Trump is president. I picked up a possibly self-destructive habit. Caught feelings for a boy. And now I’m trying to convince myself that I don’t need medical attention and this will all pass. So, of course, I log on to Tumblr to lose myself in cyberworld to avoid my life.
But seriously though, I shouldn’t have gotten off the train. We have much to discuss.
The cold season is approaching for a lot of us, and it can be a challenging time, many even dealing with seasonal depression. Some suggestions on how to make it easier to manage the cold long winter months… Everyone copes differently, so these are just my personal suggestions.
Keep your body moving. Bundle up for a walk, go indoor swimming, work at the gym or simply follow at home workouts. Exercising helps boost our mood by producing feel good endorphins!
Check your vitamin D levels. Sunlight is a source of vitamin D, a nutrient linked to sharper thinking and better emotional health. So talk with your doctor if they think taking daily vitamins will be best for you.
Speak with a medical professional about how you’re feeling mentally, and seek help if needed. Many people tend to be diagnosed with seasonal depression during the colder months. So don’t hesitate to seek help!
Stimulate your senses. Scents can add to your feeling of well-being; try diffusing peppermint or citrus essential oils or some other energizing scent. Or bring out bright colours into your home decor. Maybe purchase every week a bouquet of flowers! Or buy a few plants for added greenery.
Nurture yourself. Do more of what makes you feel good, whether that’s taking a warm bubble bath, watching your favourite shows cuddled in cozy blankets, writing in your journal, talking to a loved one, baking your favourite dessert, eating your favourite foods, etc; Anything that makes you feel warm, safe and happy inside. Also make sure to take good care of your body, eating foods filled with vitamins and nutrients that’ll boost your immune system. Vitamins like Vitamin C, Echinacea, Vitamin B, etc; are great for immunity.
Create healthy routines for your day to day life. You don’t necessarily have to follow a strict schedule, but making sure to incorporate healthy and motivating habits into your daily life.
Whenever the weather allows, plan to go outside and hang out with someone or even go out for a walk during the day time. Get as much sunlight as possible. Keep your curtains open! Wake up early enough to catch enough day time.
Invest in a sun lamp, or light therapy! Bright light therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for winter blues and seasonal depression.
Keep warm! Make sure your heaters at home are working before the cold hits. Invest in a good quality winter jacket, and boots. Make sure you’re stocked up in warm drinks such as teas, and hot chocolate!! Get out your cozy blankets!
Take up a new hobby. It could be anything, such as painting, knitting, joining a gym, keeping a journal, or writing a blog. The important thing is that you have something to look forward to and concentrate on. Teach yourself new things, learn about new topics. Keeping your mind busy!
Keep in contact with friends and family. Socializing can be good for your 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.
My name is Cate, I’m 23 and I’m from Northern England. I have been couch surfing for the last few months and come to the realisation of how cripplingly lonely life can be. In which case, I would like to offer an ear/hand to anyone out there who doesn’t have a way to escape their current reality by having someone around them who will listen without judgement. Whether you want a light-hearted discussion, to discuss any worries that are on your mind or even to exchange life stories. Whatever it may be, I will listen. Now, I’m not saying that I’m your knight in shining armour and that I can make it all better nor am I saying that I can take away the pain away but I will listen with an open mind and heart. As human beings we are conditioned to be suspicious of each other and rightly so in some cases, just please know that I am sincere. Although, I do feel that this quote comes in handy “strangers are just friends waiting to happen.”
I wish you all well.
P.S. I created an e-mail a few hours ago with this idea in mind so if anyone is interested, don’t hesitate to DM me.
