Dealing with Seasonal Depression as a Highly Sensitive Person

I don’t know why, but every year I forget that I experience seasonal depression (or SAD - seasonal affective disorder) and I spend a couple of weeks wondering why I feel so blah and unlike myself. Then I remember… oh yeah, it’s winter. I even moved to Texas to escape the cold and the three months of mild winter we get is still too much for me.

Here are some of the ways that I navigate seasonal depression and make it through until the warmer, sunnier months :)

Mindset

One of the most important things is to shift my mindset. I have this belief somewhere in me that I should be energetic, bubbly, happy, and feeling good 100% of the time. But that’s just not how being human works. The earth goes through changes and slows down in the winter, and so do we. It’s natural, it’s healthy, and it’s perfectly normal.

Once I recognize that what I’m feeling is temporary and that there’s nothing wrong with me, I start to feel better. Putting pressure on yourself to feel good all the time will only backfire and cause you more anxiety. Instead of panicking when I feel down or more anxious during the winter, I remind myself that I am going through a slower season and it’s okay to move through those emotions.

Self Care

We all know we need to engage in self care to maintain feeling as good as we can. But damn is it hard! Especially in the winter when we’re already feeling depressed and blah. Just remember that every little thing counts. Here’s a list of self care items you can do in 5 minutes or less to feel better:

• Take 3 deep breaths with your hand on your heart

• Get outside for a few minutes and breathe fresh air

• Dance to your favorite song

• Stretch your body any way that feels good

• Eat some fruits or veggies

• Make a cup of hot tea

• Draw a picture on your phone - do anything creative!

• Journal about how you’re feeling to let it all out

• Take a walk around the block, or even just around your house

Doing self care isn’t about having the perfect routine or all the gadgets and the perfect outfit, etc. etc. — It’s about tuning in to your body to see what would be most nourishing for you in any given moment. Simply get still, ask your body what it needs, and then provide that to the best of your ability.

Consistency will win over quantity any time. Start with just one thing per day!

Community

If you’re like me, then you have a tendency to retreat and spend time alone in the winter. While this is an important part of this season and can be very rejuvenating, it’s important not to over-do it. Make sure you’re taking time to engage with your friends, family, or community and getting social engagement. The world can seem pretty bleak sometimes, but nothing feels better than a laugh with someone you care about. Humans are social creatures, and even the most introverted person will benefit from warm interaction now and then. Be intentional about who you spend time with and make sure you’re using your social energy on those who life you up and make you feel lighter.

Finally, remember that winter will pass and you’ll feel bouncy and cheerful again. Moving in flow with the seasons and allowing yourself the time to retreat can be so healing. You’ve got this!