Seasonal Blues – You’re In Charge

By Maureen McCracken, PMHCNS, BC

Healing Touch of Washington DC

. http://www.healingtouchdc.com/

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Seasonal Blues – You’re In Charge

With diversity and change come challenges and choices. In this increasingly diverse and challenging world, the blues may come. And ‘tis the season. Many of us have some variation of seasonal affective disorder, whether we feel a little melancholy when the leaves fall, or don’t, or feel a lack of energy on grey days.
Some get into a fit of anxiety thinking about what gifts to give to which family member or friend. Some, in fact, get melancholy in the summer or spring.
Either way, from blues to actual depression, there are a myriad of ways to change your mood, ranging from spending time outdoors in the sunshine, or getting the lights that help with seasonal affective disorder.
If you feel hopeless, know that you are not alone. Some of the most famous leaders and artists in history and today have depression – Beethoven, Schumann, Lincoln, Van Gogh.
To some extent with the onset of fall and days shortening, there is a natural cycle to go inward, perhaps to sleep more, to contemplate and plan rather than harvest.
When we load on extra activities beyond daily survival or thrival, overstimulation can interfere with sleep, leading to mood disturbance with anxiety and depression.
Start with the natural remedies or whatever has worked for you in the past: gratitude journaling, socializing with one friend or a group, exercising more outside, meditating, going to church.
If you find yourself in paralysis by analysis and/or lacking in motivation, see a psychotherapist. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help or medication for depression or anxiety. And keep it simple for the season. The greatest gift is your time and presence.