Dear friend:
As the holiday season quickly approaches, most have visions of twinkly lights, dancing sugar plums, and eating too much. Although all of these things are super magical and make the months of November-January great, there are some lesser known/ not so magical things that also come with this time of year. I know I can’t be the only one who notices that when the temperature drops and the sky becomes a moody grey, our brains do some funky stuff.
When the weather shifts from sunny and 75 (or sunny and 105 in CStat) to cloudy, 45, and sometimes rainy, I find it to be intense labor (mentally & physically) to get out of bed in the mornings. This may be the case for you too, and it may also be that this feeling claws its way into other areas of your life. I’m here to tell you that what you’re feeling is okay, but there are things you can do about it.
As a matter of fact, this feeling we get during the holiday season has an actual name and can become pretty serious if not addressed properly. If you find yourself feeling gloomy and not like yourself when the seasons change, you are most likely experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While SAD is normal for many people, that does not mean it is not a legitimate problem.
When you start to feel gloomy during these cold, darker months, do yourself a few favors. Here are some things you could try:
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Take a walk! Do this to get some fresh air or to change up your atmosphere a little bit.
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Call a Friend! No matter my mood, I never leave a phone call with my friends feeling anything but loved and happy.
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Clean your room! Freshening up your space is a major mood booster.
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Pet a dog! If you don’t have a dog on hand, visit your local shelter. They’ll love it just as much as you will!
With that being said, please talk to someone if your brain is feeling not quite right this holiday season.♡
Seasonal Depression can be challenging enough, but when you throw in the holidays as well as the stresses of school, it becomes nearly impossible to handle. If you feel that you are not okay and fear that you may harm yourself or others, please reach out to one of the contacts below.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
TAMU Student Counseling Helpline: 979-845-2700
p.s. If you ever find yourself in need of a friend, a Starbucks date, a study buddy, a shoulder to cry on, or literally just someone to tell you that you’re doing great… I’m here. You can find my social media handles below, don’t hesitate to reach out.
♡, Caleigh
SC: kk_bri
Instagram: caleigh457
Twitter: @caleighbriley
Facebook: Caleigh Briley