As we get into the colder and darker time of the year, it is hard for some people to keep up with life. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects millions of Americans every year. On top of that, people that are diagnosed with major or mild depressive disorder tend to have a much tougher time during this time of year. Not getting enough Vitamin D and being stuck into the house all day, I’m sure you can see how someone who get the winter blues.
Typing this post reminded me of Grandma. No - Grandma didn't suffer from depression but according to Joey, Shelby, and I, Grandma did suffer from D.A.D.... distance affective disorder. This mean Grandma got seasonally depressed when Kansas was playing and we couldn't be IN Kansas watching the game! We created this really awesome video, and won FREE tickets to the CHAMPIONS CLASSIC in New York City (the Champions Classic is a tournament that Kansas, Kentucky, Duke, and Michigan State participate in every year - in either Illinois, New York, or Georgia)! It is ironic that I am writing this post today because this year the Champions Classic is in New York City....tonight. Yes I am in my feelings a little bit, but not in a bad way. I miss my Grandma more than anything, but this tournament was something we really shared. It brings joy to my heart to think about the years we went to the Champions Classic. I've been every single year, except this year - so that part does make me a bit emotional.
ANYWAYS...
Although it may be more difficult to be happy and have desire to participate in daily activities, it is definitely possible. I have some quotes that I remember and also some go-to activities that I know will boost my mood.
5 Quotes to help you get through depression:
“Was it a bad day or a bad 5 minutes you milked all day?”
Oh man this is a Kylie quote. I milk situations so badly. I try so hard to preach about not sweating the small stuff… but I sweat the small stuff and I can’t deny that. It’s okay though because as long as you can admit it, that means you are aware of your behavior. Which means you are that much closer to changing the behavior!
“Don’t stress the could haves, if it should have, it would have.”
Point black. You can feel a certain way about a situation, but don’t let that feeling linger past its welcome.
“You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude towards what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.”
You didn’t choose to suffer from depression and neither did I. But ya know, you can’t really pick your genes and that’s okay. You just need to accept that you can’t change what has happened to you, but you can make the most of it. My family and I like to make light of the situation by cracking jokes. Whatever helps you!
“Everything has beauty.”
Autumn leaves falling from the trees. Watching old people hold hands in public. Taking a drive down a back road. Making homemade chocolate chip cookies and eating the dough. Watching a really corny video on YouTube. There is happiness EVERYWHERE; it is just a matter creating the happiness. (How do you create happiness? You BELIEVE in happiness!!)
“Some days you just need to create your own sunshine.”
Okay I have to… especially since daylight savings time gave us less sunshine you really DO need to make your own sunshine!! Try adding in some string lights, lighting a candle, or opening the blinds so you can let the moonlight shine in. Whatever you need to make you smile is out there… you just might have to try a little harder to find it.
5 Ways to get your mind off depression:
(I will admit that this part is easier said than done. I remember when I was first diagnosed, I would hide away in my room and my dad would come in and just talk to me. I would be sitting on the floor in the bathroom and he would just sit on my bed talking away, until I answered. In the end, he would be able to get me out of the house and we would go eat or anything to just get me out. Which is the key here!)
Get some fresh air
Go out and buy a coffee, drive down a back road, and listen to your favorite type of music. Roll the windows down and blast the heat. Get that air blowing around you. Bundle up and take a walk if you don’t feel like driving or don’t feel safe driving. Anything to get you out of the house!
Get out with some family or friends
As I said before, my dad would get me out of the house because he knew it was best for me. Getting out and being around people is so beneficial for you – even if you aren’t socializing! Just being around that energy will help you tremendously. For me, even just getting out of my room and sitting in the living room with my parents helps me! Face Time will suffice as well… my sister can’t physically be with me but she is always there for me on my phone so I am not alone!
Tell your friends and family about your depression
Getting the word out to your loved ones can really help you not fall in a spiral. My parents know this is the time of year when my depression starts to get worse. They make sure I am still eating enough and that I am not spending too much time in my room. They know my routine, so it is easy for them but it is important to surround yourself with people outside of your family that understand you. It is hard to understand what depression is, if you don’t suffer from it – but it is possible to be patient with it. Many people who have not been patient with my disorder have surrounded me, and it was very hard to keep these relationships healthy. It isn’t easy to love a person with depression, you have to obtain a TON of patience and not everyone can handle that. It has nothing to do with you or them… the situation just isn’t mean for you guys. Find people who will help you and be open with them.
Read, draw, write, or create
Getting creative can release some energy that you need to let go. I know when I get either down or anxious, writing is the outlet I gravitate towards. I also like to go to doodling, mostly because it is super fun. But whatever tickles your fancy. This blog was created to reach out to anyone who may need it! What creative outlet do you think you could come up with?
EXERCISE!
I know I am a little biased with this one and it is a little more difficult because energy levels are so low, but this will actually help boost your energy levels. Exercise releases endorphins! Endorphins make you happy and stuff! So you should definitely exercise. DON’T FORGET: I can help you with this part if you need it!! Utilize the resources that are available for you!
Get out of that comfort zone. Make this season YOUR season!!
Typing this post reminded me of Grandma. No - Grandma didn't suffer from depression but according to Joey, Shelby, and I, Grandma did suffer from D.A.D.... distance affective disorder. This mean Grandma got seasonally depressed when Kansas was playing and we couldn't be IN Kansas watching the game! We created this really awesome video, and won FREE tickets to the CHAMPIONS CLASSIC in New York City (the Champions Classic is a tournament that Kansas, Kentucky, Duke, and Michigan State participate in every year - in either Illinois, New York, or Georgia)! It is ironic that I am writing this post today because this year the Champions Classic is in New York City....tonight. Yes I am in my feelings a little bit, but not in a bad way. I miss my Grandma more than anything, but this tournament was something we really shared. It brings joy to my heart to think about the years we went to the Champions Classic. I've been every single year, except this year - so that part does make me a bit emotional.
ANYWAYS...
Although it may be more difficult to be happy and have desire to participate in daily activities, it is definitely possible. I have some quotes that I remember and also some go-to activities that I know will boost my mood.
5 Quotes to help you get through depression:
“Was it a bad day or a bad 5 minutes you milked all day?”
Oh man this is a Kylie quote. I milk situations so badly. I try so hard to preach about not sweating the small stuff… but I sweat the small stuff and I can’t deny that. It’s okay though because as long as you can admit it, that means you are aware of your behavior. Which means you are that much closer to changing the behavior!
“Don’t stress the could haves, if it should have, it would have.”
Point black. You can feel a certain way about a situation, but don’t let that feeling linger past its welcome.
“You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude towards what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.”
You didn’t choose to suffer from depression and neither did I. But ya know, you can’t really pick your genes and that’s okay. You just need to accept that you can’t change what has happened to you, but you can make the most of it. My family and I like to make light of the situation by cracking jokes. Whatever helps you!
“Everything has beauty.”
Autumn leaves falling from the trees. Watching old people hold hands in public. Taking a drive down a back road. Making homemade chocolate chip cookies and eating the dough. Watching a really corny video on YouTube. There is happiness EVERYWHERE; it is just a matter creating the happiness. (How do you create happiness? You BELIEVE in happiness!!)
“Some days you just need to create your own sunshine.”
Okay I have to… especially since daylight savings time gave us less sunshine you really DO need to make your own sunshine!! Try adding in some string lights, lighting a candle, or opening the blinds so you can let the moonlight shine in. Whatever you need to make you smile is out there… you just might have to try a little harder to find it.
5 Ways to get your mind off depression:
(I will admit that this part is easier said than done. I remember when I was first diagnosed, I would hide away in my room and my dad would come in and just talk to me. I would be sitting on the floor in the bathroom and he would just sit on my bed talking away, until I answered. In the end, he would be able to get me out of the house and we would go eat or anything to just get me out. Which is the key here!)
Get some fresh air
Go out and buy a coffee, drive down a back road, and listen to your favorite type of music. Roll the windows down and blast the heat. Get that air blowing around you. Bundle up and take a walk if you don’t feel like driving or don’t feel safe driving. Anything to get you out of the house!
Get out with some family or friends
As I said before, my dad would get me out of the house because he knew it was best for me. Getting out and being around people is so beneficial for you – even if you aren’t socializing! Just being around that energy will help you tremendously. For me, even just getting out of my room and sitting in the living room with my parents helps me! Face Time will suffice as well… my sister can’t physically be with me but she is always there for me on my phone so I am not alone!
Tell your friends and family about your depression
Getting the word out to your loved ones can really help you not fall in a spiral. My parents know this is the time of year when my depression starts to get worse. They make sure I am still eating enough and that I am not spending too much time in my room. They know my routine, so it is easy for them but it is important to surround yourself with people outside of your family that understand you. It is hard to understand what depression is, if you don’t suffer from it – but it is possible to be patient with it. Many people who have not been patient with my disorder have surrounded me, and it was very hard to keep these relationships healthy. It isn’t easy to love a person with depression, you have to obtain a TON of patience and not everyone can handle that. It has nothing to do with you or them… the situation just isn’t mean for you guys. Find people who will help you and be open with them.
Read, draw, write, or create
Getting creative can release some energy that you need to let go. I know when I get either down or anxious, writing is the outlet I gravitate towards. I also like to go to doodling, mostly because it is super fun. But whatever tickles your fancy. This blog was created to reach out to anyone who may need it! What creative outlet do you think you could come up with?
EXERCISE!
I know I am a little biased with this one and it is a little more difficult because energy levels are so low, but this will actually help boost your energy levels. Exercise releases endorphins! Endorphins make you happy and stuff! So you should definitely exercise. DON’T FORGET: I can help you with this part if you need it!! Utilize the resources that are available for you!
Get out of that comfort zone. Make this season YOUR season!!