If you are like me, you too, struggle with seasonal depression. The month of February may be 28 days (or 29 if it is a leap year, like the current Year of Our Lord 2020), but feels about 138149031804 days long. If old man winter decides to be nice, maybe there may be a break in the tundric conditions for a few days, but at this point in the year, I am essentially having to drag myself out of bed every day to face the world. Before you ask, “but Evan, if you struggle with seasonal depression so badly, why on earth do you live near Chicago?” let me explain—I love my family and am close with them. We live an easily drivable distance away, and the thought of not seeing my nephews growing up, or being able to kick it with my parents / brother / sister-in-law makes me want to cry thinking about it. I am still “rallying the troops” to get us all to move somewhere warm, but alas, there has been no movement on this yet. So don’t get all sassy with me, CASSANDRA (honestly I have no idea if anyone named Cassandra reads this and I’m sorry I called you out specifically)…..ANYWAYS….seasonal depression can be THE WORST, but I think it’s time that we put a POSITIVE SPIN on some of the parts of seasonal depression.
People Don’t Have to Question If You’re Sad
Generally, I like to bottle up my emotions deep deep down inside until they eventually explode and make my friends and family question why I didn’t talk to them sooner about the issues I am having (I am getting better at this, but this is definitely still a struggle for me).
When I’m wrestling with seasonal depression, there isn’t any hiding my sadness! I LOOK sad—dark circles under my eyes, I don’t laugh as much as I normally do, and I get a little reclusive—because the idea of having to go into this weather more than I absolutely have to makes me want to scream obscenities into the great void of space. People don’t really need to ask how I’m doing. They can just look at me and automatically know, “YIKES. That dude is going through it right now.”
Me Normally vs Seasonal Depression Me
It Forces You to Take Vitamins
In the winter, it can be easy for me to start eating like my body is a garbage dumpster fire, because I am wearing sweaters and a little extra husk isn’t gonna be noticed. Pizza for 2 meals in a day? Sure! Why not. However, because my body is vitamin-deficient in vitamin D and taking me on a trip right on down to sad-town-USA, you best BELIEVE I’m taking vitamins, BAY-BEE! How VERY health-conscious of me, right?
It Makes You NEED to Exercise
One of the best things to combat seasonal depression is staying active. While this is literally the last thing I generally want to do is exercise when the weather is negative 10 degrees, I know that this will make my mental state better. Luckily, I have weights and a yoga mat, so I don’t need to leave my dwelling to do so (no yelling obscenities into the void of space for me, thank you). For running, I generally have to listen to music for 30 minutes to pump myself up to go, because I HATE running in cold weather. But, when I lift / run / do yoga, I feel better mentally, and the sadness is manageable.
Sweaters Become a Lifestyle
Comfortability is an important thing for me when struggling with seasonal depression, but I work in an office. Working in an office means it is likely frowned upon for me to stroll in wearing sweatpants and a hoodie, coffee in hand, mumbling incoherently about how much I hate the weather. That DOESN’T mean I haven’t found a solution, though! If you want to be like me and walk a fine line of comfort AND professionalism, it’s actually pretty easy. All you need to do is buy some nice business casual sweaters, and a pair of corduroy / wool dress pants, and BAM. You now can maintain looking like a professional, all whilst having the comfort of a sweatpants and hoodie at the office! You’re welcome.
It Makes You More Appreciative of Warm Weather
I LOVE hot weather. I mean it. I would rather be sweating profusely to the point where I can’t take off any more clothes because I would become indecent than be cold. The reason for this is I have the circulation of a frail, 93-year-old-elderly-woman, so when I’m cold, it doesn’t matter how many more layers I put on, I’m still cold. Since enduring the harsh realities of winter (and for anyone that lives further north than Chicago y’all are crazy but I respect you, if God would ever want me to live further north than Chicago He would have to physically move me there), it makes me love spring and summer just that much more. Without cold, we wouldn’t know warmth, and how much better it truly is than winter. (If you love winter you are wrong and I will die on this hill fighting. Winter is my version of hell—just add the absence of God, and cookies that you always think are chocolate chip, you take a bite, and they’re oatmeal raisin. That’s it. That’s hell.)
Hopefully after reading this you can have the strength to carry on during this season that is my forth favorite, and can start wearing more sweaters to work like me. If you are struggling and need help, however, please seek it! If you don’t know who to turn to, call 1-800-273-8255. They are available 24/7, and are always happy to talk. We need you here, friend! Winter sucks, but you sure don’t!