How our moods are affected by the season
Seasons and Moods.
Seasons change, and our moods do too. If you are one of those who struggle with S. A. D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder, I hope this post helps. Depression makes one feel very helpless so try to keep that door of helplessness shut. Remind yourself that you’re the one in the driver’s seat, not depression.
Depression distracts and you are never really enjoying your moments as they happened. Being mindful of your thinking and actions helps, as does planning your day. Depression likes blank spaces.
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I’m not saying you have to plan every moment. It’s more of an inner awareness about why you’re doing what you’re doing. Are you doing what you’ve decided to do, or has your depression decided for you? It about knowing what works for me. Being aware of why you’re doing will help.
I know there are many who are reading this post whose every moment is filled. You would love the luxury of having some free time to worry. But knowing why you are doing what you are doing is still valuable though because the awareness that you are indeed always making choices is still valid. (By the way, keeping frantically busy is just as bad as sitting in front of the TV.)
Depression seems to have a life of its own.
At times it seems as though another person takes up residence inside us telling us what to do. And let’s be clear, the voice of depression will never direct you to do anything good. Instead, it will feed its own veracious appetite.
So how do we become self aware? For me, anxious feelings or low moods make me sit up and take notice. If I bite my fingernails. (I hate admitting that.) or munch on something constantly, especially something sweet.
If I don’t enjoy what I’m doing.
If I can’t focus on what I’m doing.
Probably most important, if I start to think too much.
Know Your Triggers
You’ll have to figure out for yourself what your red flags are. Yes, it’s the season, but it’s probably more than that. Anytime you start to feel the bottom drop-out, think about what you’ve been thinking and doing. There is always something.
Reflection is really important in battling depression but it has to be done carefully. It’s important to choose the right time to think about deep issues. For me, it’s when I’m in prayer.
Ask yourself some questions.
For today ask yourself-Am I mindlessly going through my day? Do I fully live in the present moment not anticipating the next? Is my mind wandering? Do I feel anxious? Am I on carb overload?
There’s no reason to let depression win.
