Without fail, every year, it sneaks up on me. I stubbornly think that this will finally be the year that I skip seasonal depression and miraculously make it through November to March unscathed. Then, without fail, usually in mid-January, I instantly lose all will to live and be a productive member of society. Each task feels like I’m moving mountains, and every obligation that sounded enticing less than two months ago has now become an unbearable weight on my shoulders. The impacts of this seasonal shift, along with my struggles with Major Depressive Disorder and Social Anxiety, are a dangerous combination. They can lead to a concerning dip in my productivity, daily activity, educational status, and overall well-being because I am fully aware that this is not an original experience. I would like to share the wealth of knowledge and experience with those who find themselves struggling.
Fuel For the Mind and Body
First and foremost, the most important thing I am keeping in mind is remembering to fuel my body so that I can fuel my mind. On a personal level, comparing my eating habits and palette to others has, historically, resulted in unhealthy behaviors and mindsets. Because of this, I make a concerted effort to be more in tune with what my body wants and needs, making sure to eat things that make me feel good not only physically but mentally. A sweet treat after a long day of classes and extracurriculars may seem inconsequential, but small acts of self-care can make a world of difference to your mental wellbeing. While doing this, I also make sure to stay active as much as possible, even if it is not in the traditional sense. When the wind chill outside is -20 degrees, dragging yourself to IM West can seem like an uphill battle. Setting lofty goals to work out daily, knowing the likelihood of me meeting them is low, will set me up to be disappointed in myself which, can only exasperate feelings of depression. Instead, my favorite way of staying active in the cold winter months is walking, only when my fingers won’t fall off, of course. Walking instead of taking the bus makes me feel more productive, warms me up, and most importantly, gives me an insane superiority complex.
Fill Your Schedule
I will admit that this next piece of advice is dependent on whether or not you are Type A, like me, but I have found that giving myself a lot of tasks to complete is a great way to stave off the worst of the winter sadness. The type of tasks can also vary based on what you prioritize in life, whether it be academics, fitness, social life, or your extracurriculars. For me, the aspect of others being reliant on you getting tasks completed is a major piece of motivation as I don’t want to inconvenience or bog down anyone’s work. This kind of mindset can also become negative and lead to major burnout fueled by overwhelming guilt and too many missed assignments. I am currently enrolled in 17 credits, which is 5 courses, on the E-Board for a club, and also hold a leadership position in my sorority. While I do have moments where I am stretched thin, being surrounded by other productive and experienced individuals in each aspect of my life serves as an incredible source of inspiration.
Give Yourself Grace
It is objectively absurd to go weeks without seeing sunlight, even if it is the reality of midwestern winters. There is a certain lack of color in the world this time of year, you can’t feel your face, and not in The Weekend way but the frostbite way. It is to be expected you lose a certain amount of morale and motivation surrounded by droll colors and long-dead fauna. The days feel like they may never end, and your energy seems to start at 25%. Remember to keep in mind that no matter how good they are at hiding it, this is not a unique experience. Take that nap, wear those sweats, buy that four-dollar coffee, and order that new lip gloss. Life may be short, but winter feels long, so don’t forget to show yourself the same love and forgiveness you show others.
Everyone has a different experience when it comes to handling the seasons change and this is mine. Regardless, we are all strong enough to make it through and I hope sharing my stories give hope to others.