A conversation about seasonal depression.

Let’s talk about it. [It is our honor to suggest that hope and help are real. ]( [It is our honor to suggest that hope and help are real. ]( [Today might try to break you and tomorrow may not hold you with gentle hands either, but the seasons will change.] It’s no secret that change is hard. While the changing of the seasons may be something we are used to, it doesn’t make the transition any easier. If you struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD or seasonal depression, you are not alone. Many people prepare themselves yearly for this battle as the days get shorter and the temperatures get colder. SAD can impact anyone, no matter what their mental health looks like during other parts of the year. Those who already struggle with depression may feel it even more so during these months, while some may only feel the effects of depression with the change of seasons. No matter what seasonal depression looks like for you, you aren’t on your own. While we can’t change the weather or convince the sun to come up earlier or stay around later, we can be intentional about listening to our body and giving it the things it is missing and needs. [1 in 20 adults in the US experience Seasonal Affective Disorder.] [People with SAD typically experience reduced activity of the brain chemicals serotonin and melatonin—disrupting normal daily rhythms.] [SAD tends to show up between the ages of 18 and 30.] [Two things most impacted by seasonal depression include mood and sleep patterns/energy levels.] Sources: 1. [Cleveland Clinic]( 2. [National Institute of Mental Health]( | 3. Clinic]( The truth about seasonal depression. Seasonal depression may be hard to identify at first. For some, its intensity varies from year to year. It can be mild, causing changes in mood or behavior only every now and then, while with others it can seem as though you’re living with a different brain entirely. This might entail decreased energy, frequent irritability, increased exhaustion, and heightened feelings of sadness or depression. Most people experience SAD during the winter months, but a smaller group will be met with seasonal depression during the summer months. During these seasons, there are peaks and valleys like any other time, but the valleys may feel a little deeper and longer and require more energy to move through. It can be hard to remember and believe that while this portion of the journey is exhausting, it won’t stay like this forever. An important thing to remind yourself about seasonal depression is that it is, in fact, just for a season. We know there are still plenty of battles to be fought throughout the calendar year, but this is one that will shift and change as the months pass by. While in the midst of this chapter though, it is OK if you need to alter what your day-to-day mental health care looks like. It might even be beneficial to write out a self-care plan that is specific to your needs during this period of time. Try light therapy and take Vitamin D supplements to help make sure your body is getting what it needs. Engage in activities that are weather-specific and search for joyful ways to move your body, even if that means figuring out how to bring “outdoor” activities inside. Consider the assistance of professional therapy and medication. And don’t be ashamed of needing more rest—and always be proud of yourself simply for surviving. [Today might try to break you and tomorrow may not hold you with gentle hands either, but the seasons will change.] It’s no secret that change is hard. While the changing of the seasons may be something we are used to, it doesn’t make the transition any easier. If you struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD or seasonal depression, you are not alone. Many people prepare themselves yearly for this battle as the days get shorter and the temperatures get colder. SAD can impact anyone, no matter what their mental health looks like during other parts of the year. Those who already struggle with depression may feel it even more so during these months, while some may only feel the effects of depression with the change of seasons. No matter what seasonal depression looks like for you, you aren’t on your own. While we can’t change the weather or convince the sun to come up earlier or stay around later, we can be intentional about listening to our body and giving it the things it is missing and needs. [1 in 20 adults in the U.S. experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).] [People with SAD typically experience reduced activity of the brain chemicals serotonin and melatonin—disrupting normal daily rhythms.] [SAD tends to show up between the ages of 18 and 30.] [Two things most impacted by seasonal depression include mood and sleep patterns/energy levels. ] Sources: 1. [Cleveland Clinic]( 2. [National Institute of Mental Health]( | 3. Clinic]( The truth about seasonal depression. Seasonal depression may be hard to identify at first. For some, its intensity varies from year to year. It can be mild, causing changes in mood or behavior only every now and then, while with others it can seem as though you’re living with a different brain entirely. This might entail decreased energy, frequent irritability, increased exhaustion, and heightened feelings of sadness or depression. Most people experience SAD during the winter months, but a smaller group will be met with seasonal depression during the summer months. During these seasons, there are peaks and valleys like any other time, but the valleys may feel a little deeper and longer and require more energy to move through. It can be hard to remember and believe that while this portion of the journey is exhausting, it won’t stay like this forever. An important thing to remind yourself about seasonal depression is that it is, in fact, just for a season. We know there are still plenty of battles to be fought throughout the calendar year, but this is one that will shift and change as the months pass by. While in the midst of this chapter though, it is OK if you need to alter what your day-to-day mental health care looks like. It might even be beneficial to write out a self-care plan that is specific to your needs during this period of time. Try light therapy and take Vitamin D supplements to help make sure your body is getting what it needs. Engage in activities that are weather-specific and search for joyful ways to move your body, even if that means figuring out how to bring “outdoor” activities inside. Consider the assistance of professional therapy and medication. And don’t be ashamed of needing more rest—and always be proud of yourself simply for surviving. You are not alone. Journeying through this difficult chapter is not a path you walk alone or without hope. You woke up, checked your inbox, and now you’re reading this email. Every part of that process is something you deserve to be proud of and to find hope in. If you’re looking for encouragement, may the stories below offer you comfort and company. [When Depression Comes in Waves Podcast Episode]( [''Season Affective Disorder: Spring Doesn't Flip Like a Switch'' Blog]( [''You'll Never Walk Alone'' Blog]( You are not alone. Journeying through this difficult chapter is not a path you walk alone or without hope. You woke up, checked your inbox, and now you’re reading this email. Every part of that process is something you deserve to be proud of and to find hope in. If you’re looking for encouragement, may the stories below offer you comfort and company. [When Depression Comes in Waves Podcast Episode](   [It's Okay to Feel Something Other Than Joy Podcast Episode](   [''You'll Never Walk Alone'' Blog]( [''Season Affective Disorder: Spring Doesn't Flip Like a Switch'' Blog]( [''It's the Most Difficult Time of the Year'' Blog]( [READ MORE]( Your story is important. If you experience seasonal depression and want to share your story with others, we encourage you to send us a submission to be considered for the TWLOHA Blog. These pieces can be between 400-900 words (no PDFs) and should be sent to our editorial team at blog@twloha.com. (Please note this is a volunteer-based opportunity.) [We need you here to enjoy the good that awaits.] As you move through today and into tomorrow, hold on to the truth that the light will return. Change is inevitable and we need you here to enjoy the good that awaits. If you need additional help navigating SAD, we suggest reaching out to a professional for support. Our FIND HELP Tool can assist you in the search by allowing you to browse by zip code for mental health care options near you. [LOOK FOR SUPPORT]( [READ MORE]( Your story is important. If you experience seasonal depression and want to share your story with others, we encourage you to send us a submission to be considered for the TWLOHA Blog. These pieces can be between 400-900 words (no PDFs) and should be sent to our editorial team at blog@twloha.com. (Please note this is a volunteer-based opportunity.) [We need you here to enjoy the good that awaits.] As you move through today and into tomorrow, hold on to the truth that the light will return. Change is inevitable and we need you here to enjoy the good that awaits. If you need additional help navigating SAD, we suggest reaching out to a professional for support. Our FIND HELP Tool can assist you in the search by allowing you to browse by zip code for mental health care options near you. [LOOK FOR SUPPORT]( [Hope is real. Help is real. Your story is important. ]( [facebook]( [twitter]( [YouTube]( [instagram]( [TikTok](tiktok.com/@twloha) ☰✕ [GET INVOLVED]( [BLOG]( [DONATE]( [STORE]( [FIND HELP]( PO Box 2203, Melbourne, FL 32902, USA [Help is real. Hope is real.]( [facebook]( [twitter]( [instagram]( [TikTok](tiktok.com/@twloha) ☰✕ [GET INVOLVED]( [BLOG]( [DONATE]( [STORE]( [FIND HELP]( PO Box 2203, Melbourne, FL 32902, USA You received this email from TWLOHA. If you would like to unsubscribe, [click here](.