"It Tis The Season"
Oh, the feeling of thanksgiving and good cheer! Or is it? For most the answer rings with truth, for some it is a far cry. Finding ways to give thanks and feel any form of good cheer let alone spread it. For some a sense of sadness and depression has begun to consume them and steal their sense of joy and happiness. Those of us who find the many ways to feel the simply signs of thanksgiving find it by the simplest ways and it can be just rising in the morning and seeing the new day and our love ones are still here. But for some it may not be as simple, they may have lost their love one they may have health concerns that have overtaken their joy and peace of mind, they may not feel as blessed as the next person. For whatever the reasons maybe we cannot take for granted that we are not all full of good cheer.
My message to those who may feel the seasonal anxiety or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) do not despair help is near and help is here! First let's know what we are dealing with seasonal anxiety/
Seasonal affective disorder (also referred to as SAD) is a type of depression that follows the seasons. The most common type of SAD is called winter depression. It usually begins in late fall or early winter and normal mood returns in summer. A less common type of SAD, known as summer depression, usually begins in the late spring or early summer. SAD may be related to changes in the amount of daylight you get. Seasonal affective disorder is estimated to affect 10 million Americans. Another 10 percent to 20 percent may have mild SAD. SAD is more common in women than in men. Illness typically begins around age 20. Some people experience symptoms severe enough to affect quality of life, and 6 percent require hospitalization. Many people with SAD report at least one close relative with a psychiatric disorder, most frequently a severe depressive disorder (55 percent) or alcohol abuse (34 percent). Although some children and teenagers get SAD, it usually doesn't start in people younger than age 20. Yet when it does the syndrome is first suspected by parents and teachers. Risk decreases with age. SAD is more common the farther north you live.
How do we cope when we have these feelings of blueness and despair? better yet how can we recognize the triggers and deflect them? Well the 1st things
1. Acknowledge that you have these feelings and face what you are feeling do not try and bury what is creeping upon you. The worst thing we could do is pretend that we are way too strong to
feel depressed or even saddened during a particular time of year. Accept it and face it to remove or relieve the anxiety. for me someone close to me has recently died or maybe you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season
2. Pray and meditate, and reflect. this time is crucial it gives you an opportunity to think of just how good your life truly is, how losing some of the things you have will make room for greater opportunities and heights.
3. Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can't come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos. or you go and visit them.
4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes a little bit side tracked. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too. just be patient and commit to kindness
5. Live within your means. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. After all, I was taught and raised my children knowing Christmas is every day you do not wait until one day of the year to pour out gift giving and love, this should be done all the time. In fact, this year wrap thoughts of love start that new tradition give the gift that will be ingrained in the hearts and mind forever.
