It's Okay To Be S.A.D.

“Well, the weather outside is frightful…”

Have you been feeling at an all-time low lately? COVID-19 has played a huge role in a lot of people’s emotions and mental space. Just know that you are not alone. Personally, I have been diagnosed with depression for almost a year now and it has not been an easy journey. My light took a complete shift and it’s been a hard adjustment. Then, you tie in COVID-19 and how the pandemic has been going, it’s very challenging. I have to constantly remind myself that I am loved and valued even through my hard times. Easier said than done honestly. 

I never cover up how I’m feeling. As a creator, I make sure that people get transparency from me. From my anxiety and depression to when I’m feeling on top of the world. There’s no reason to hide any of that. We are human.

This Fall has felt a little different this year to all of us. It seems like it gets darker waaaay too early compared to previous years. It also seems as if this daylight savings came with doses of melatonin. The days seem shorter, the nights seem longer, it’s different. On top of the holiday’s coming up, there have been recommendations from the CDC that gatherings are not recommended due to the rising cases of COVID-19 and that also puts people in a funk because Thanksgiving is different this year and maybe Christmas too! 

I am writing this blog post to not only be transparent about depression and anxiety (seasonal or not) but to also support those who feel the same by reminding them that they are not alone. It is okay to feel this way, but it’s also okay to get help or talk to someone you love and trust. 

According to mayoclinic.org, “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.” 

Being in a funk during this time is extremely normal. Here are 10 steps you can take to help during COVID-19: 

• Exercise 

• Meditate 

• Get Sunlight

• Play With Pets 

• Keep A Journal 

• Add Aromatherapy

• Talk To A Doctor / Therapist 

• Stay Connected With Loved Ones

• Use A Light Box To Do Light Therapy

• Watch Your Favorite Holiday Movie

This time of the year is always hard for people especially with triggers of just feeling alone even when they’re in a room full of people. Please remember that it is important to take care of one another and to make sure to treat others nicely and with respect because you never know what they are going through. Depression is a silent killer. Take care of yourself and take care of one another.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Here is a checklist that you can save to help you out, also please pin on your Pinterest Board.

Stay safe, be healthy, and mindful of yourself.