Winters have presented tough times for me. The days get shorter; the lack of sunlight and cold weather can be draining. I am not alone with my Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as S.A.D.
According to the latest statistics, approximately 18.8 million Americans suffer from depression, which is 9.5%of the population. Throughout one’s lifetime, one will experience some form of depression. A million preschoolers will contract some form of depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Is there a way out of depression? This is what usually makes me sad and withdrawn in the winter:
1. Self medicating will intensify, not improve, your depression. This is the first winter I can remember that I haven’t abused any substances to get out of my depression. I spent almost two years in and out of homelessness and the way I got through tough times was to drink alcohol; I didn’t know it made you depressed. I would drink because it warmed me up in the cold. Drinking will give you hypothermia and mess up your immune system.
2. Boil an egg. Depression doesn’t hit a moving target, so get moving. I know depression will hit me like a ton of bricks, so things like selling papers and being active are therapy for me. I get to meet people and make lots of friends. Doing something like boiling an egg, walking to the store, or any form of activity will make you active.
3. Exercise. One of the best ways to get out of a funk is to exercise. Anything that gets you active, like jumping jacks, aerobics, jogging, or shadowboxing, will kick up the endorphins. Endorphins from your brain will induce happiness. It’s a natural high that comes from your body instead of self medicating. I generally do a maintenance routine which makes me feel better.
4. Don’t be a pity party. When I was in a funk I made it worse by grumbling and complaining. Misery is not attractive: fake it till you make it. Learn to laugh at people’s jokes, make phone calls to discuss how you are feeling, realize that you are not the only one who feels like you do. I learned what is sad today will make you laugh in the future. So learn how to get a sense of humor by finding someone to talk to. Misery only attracts misery.
5. Become involved in your community. You do not have to wallow in pity and loathing! “Poor me, poor me. I have it so bad!” Nonsense! There are so many groups and community organizations where you can get involved. The libraries and hospitals are a good place to begin; it really isn’t hard to get involved. Just show up! There are all kinds of support groups around you, so join one and you will not be alone in the house, watching TV.
6. Get out of negative thinking. I learned from sales that happy people are buying people. Compliments and praise get someone to smile and wink at you. When I make someone laugh and giggle I am like a little kid full of joy. Laughter and joy are contagious, so by doing little things like buying someone a gift or giving a panhandler a dollar, doing something for someone else will get you out of thinking of yourself.
7. Last but not least, make a gratitude list. When I really get in the depths of depression, I write the good things that happened to me. Here is an example:
A. God gave me another chance to wake up.
B. I could be a vegetable. I am not bedridden and I have the ability to control my life. God gave me good health.
C. I am fortunate to have been born and to live in America. I could be suffering in Haiti and Darfur or other third world countries, where they don’t have clean water or even food.
These are just a few suggestions. I know I feel better than I did before; sometimes you have to do things differently.
