For many people, the upcoming holiday season brings joy, laughter, and quality family time. There’s nothing quite like the merriment of making a phone call home saying, “What’s the plan for Thanksgiving this year?” or, “Honey, can you get the Christmas tree out of the attic this weekend?” The holidays can be a cheerful time of love, gift-giving, and warm meals spent with loved ones. For some, though, these norms don’t hold true.
As the daylight grows shorter each day, the temperatures begin to drop, and people are outside less, some may experience what Four Rivers Behavior Health classifies as seasonal depression.
Four Rivers Behavior Health provides comprehensive integrated mental health, substance abuse, and mental development disability services that promote the health and quality of life to community members in every county in Western Kentucky.
Jana Wilson, clinical practitioner at Four Rivers Behavior Health, describes seasonal depression as a common problem that gets overlooked by too many, especially ones who have never seen or experienced it before. It’s often brought on by the colder temperatures and people being more isolated and less active. In addition, this time of year often enhances the grief associated with the loss of a loved with whom they cherished these holidays. This can spiral into loss of interest and anxiety, worsening seasonal depression. Fortunately, you can learn to recognize the signs of this type of depression in yourself and friends.
“Someone experiencing seasonal depression may exhibit isolation, lethargy, poor appetite, fatigue, loss of motivation, and/or be very withdrawn from conversation or interaction,” says Jana. “We diagnose it often this time of year.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic enhancing this already difficult time of year for so many, it’s important to find what defenses may work for you. If cooler weather is keeping you indoors, try listening to upbeat music, calling a friend, or watching an inspiring TV show. Find a positive outlet that interests you.
“Some people even find joy in cleaning their home, cooking, or reading a book. You just have to take that first step toward something that sparks motivation in you,” Jana says.
If the weather allows, try stepping outside or going for a walk. Cool air filling the lungs on a sunny day can be just what you need to wake up, change your mood, and engage your senses.
People should also turn to their own community. Especially around the holidays, there are many supportive resources, and some organizations even hold memorials so community members can come together in remembrance of loved ones. Four Rivers Behavior Health has an ongoing grief group that supports community members through this time. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person meetings have transformed into small, one-on-one conversions, and group meetings are held virtually on Zoom. Around the holidays, this group also plans different types of memorial services that give opportunity to honor and remember a loved one.
“If the main source of the depression is loss of a loved one, do something in remembrance of that person that uplifts you and makes you smile,” Jana encourages.
Seek out what benefits you during this time and pursue it a little bit each day. Try seeing a play at a local theater or asking a friend to get hot chocolate (extra marshmallows, right?). Imagine the satisfying feeling of your favorite hot drink warming your insides after the yummy scent has already filled your cold nose.
Seasonal depression can appear in all ages and for individuals with any type of lifestyle. If you notice signs in your children or other loved ones, start by having an open dialogue with them. Let them know you’ve noticed a change, and ask if they feel something is wrong. Encourage them to engage in activity, leave the house, or simply have a conversation with you. Jana explains, “People tend to normalize seasonal depression if it’s not pointed out or treated.” Your primary care physician may be another option, as seasonal depression may be treated with controlled medication paired with a healthy lifestyle.
If tips like these don’t seem to move you in the right direction, call Four Rivers Behavior Health for a free assessment. Four Rivers Behavior Health offers a free, 24/7 crisis line you may call at any time to speak with someone who can help. While not all services provided by the clinic are free of charge, Jana assures, “We never want finances to hinder someone from getting lifesaving services. Most services are often billable through many types of insurance, and we also offer an income-based co-pay system for those who do not have access to insurance.”
Jana passionately concludes, “The thing I really love about working at Four Rivers Behavior Health is that we’re always striving to accommodate the needs of our community. With multiple departments, we offer a lot of programs with a wide array of resources. We’ve been doing that for a long time—we are here to help!”
If you or a loved one are struggling with seasonal depression, you can find more information on Four Rivers Behavior Health’s website, www.4rbh.org, or call their corporate office line at 270-442-7121.
