Seasonal affective disorder: depression associated with late autumn and winter and thought to be caused by a lack of light
You might remember how I mentioned a case (or three) of post partum depression? Turns out, I was predisposed to it and wasn’t aware. Up until I saw my doctor two years ago, it didn’t occur to me that how I felt in the winter wasn’t what everyone else felt.
In my case, it really only hits hard late January/February. Oh yeah, we’re coming into high season for me. Just when I do not have the time for it.
Like seriously do not have time. Hockey is still in full swing. School is just humming along. There are things that I know I need to be doing for our business. And any momentum I have on my goals for the year is at risk of being lost. I do not have time for it.
Funny thing, depression doesn’t care.
And no one has time for it.
So here’s what I do*, in hopes that sharing will help someone out there get through it too.
Step 1: Give in to it
I don’t mean for the entire month. I mean that I specifically set aside a day, maybe two and I do nothing but read and drink tea with the understanding that once the day is over, I need to put on my big girl panties and push through as best I can.
Step 2: Things in Threes
The to-do list comes out and I list three things that I need to get done each day. One is always folding laundry, because that never seems to end. But again, I do this with the understanding that once I finish the three things, I can sit down and read and drink tea.
Step 3: Plan
Once I have a week or so of Step 2 under my belt, I am mostly set to rights and things are back under control. So I sit down and plan out the week. What is coming up, what needs to get done. And I plan in one block of time for baking. I find it soothing and it signals a return to “myself”.
I want to point out that my case of S.A.D. is mild. And when medicated, I can push through the worst of it. Usually. So my methods won’t apply to everyone. And that’s ok. Find what works for you. And reach out. Always reach out and speak to your doctor.
Because no one has time for depression. There is too much life to be enjoyed.
*Note, I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. This is strictly what works for me.
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