Seasonal Depression May Be Hitting Early This Year
Lately, I’ve been hearing it from everyone —
“I just feel so tired lately.”
“It’s like I got hit by a wave of sadness out of nowhere — I was fine all summer!”
“I can’t even remember the last time I showered or took a moment to myself.”
For many, seasonal depression seems to be hitting early this year. Faced with quarantine in the colder months for the first time, continuing to find motivation to work and learn from home, and struggling to connect with friends and family, has left so many of us with a feeling of powerlessness. Of hopelessness. Of stress that feels insurmountable. On top of regular “winter blues,” it’s no surprise that the circumstances of the pandemic are encouraging these feelings.
Needless to say, seasonal depression isn’t just something you cite on a bad day when the seasons change — for so many of us, it’s an annual occurrence that makes us feel dissociative, antisocial, under or overly emotional, and simply…unhappy, among other things, oftentimes happening out of nowhere and with no warning or precipitant event.
Even with medication, strong support systems, and a plan of action, it’s normal to find yourself hopeless as the winter months go on and the days get shorter. You are not defective because of this, nor are you less than anyone else.
Working with a therapist is one way you can hold yourself accountable for how you’re feeling, explore triggers and behavior patterns, and confront the parts of yourself that you might prefer weren’t there. We can help you create action plans to catch triggers right when they occur, establish support systems and self care for when things get tough, and brainstorm together how you can best adjust to the “new normal” we are all living in.
We understand, we see you, and we are right there with you — you can and will get through the next handful of months, but the first step is seeking and accepting support from others.
Even if we don’t end up working together, use Ambler Counseling Center as a resource, we would be honored to be a part of your journey.