Someone, somewhere, during sometime can relate to the concept: something always happens during the months of September through December. Whether one has history of their past coming up and haunting them, like clockwork or the fear that something might occur is called “seasonal depression.” It is a lovely concept, actually, especially when one can defeat it and get through the end of the year.
Brutal truth: there is no avoiding it. Some days are harder than others. Some days start meshing into one, making it hard to decipher between reality and fear of the unknown. If one feels the dread creeping in on a daily basis, the feelings of restlessness or constant exhaustion, they could be experiencing the symptoms of seasonal depression. The second that happiness, a smile is cracked, or a chuckle enters the conversation, the faster the inevitability of it ending takes over—feeling like one can never attain happiness. So how does one kick seasonal depression in the face?
Leslie Mata, a mental health advocate speaks about what has helped her year after year when dealing with seasonal depression.
“Planning fun activities whether they be small, really helps keep me in a healthier mental space. I think they help as a distraction—anything to push me out the door from the four walls that torment me,” said Mata.
Journaling is a game changer for Mata’s mental health during these harder months. “When I need to release the ugly that can fester in my mind, I find release through writing on paper.”
Mata also shared what her comfort films and shows are during this dark time. “Normal People, Bones & All, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Where the Wild Things Are and Aftersun,” said Mata.
She explains how cinema resonates with a person during seasonal depression.
“There is nothing more comforting than relating to characters finding themselves, facing heartache & despair; sometimes, the reality of what it means to be human,” said Mata.
Finally, she expresses how important it is to separate school and life, especially during this time.
“It really is a balancing act—place a time away for friends, journaling before bed, hugging your loved ones,” said Mata. “Although the separation of the two requires effort, it isn’t out of reach.”
Alonso Valenzula, blue collar worker and student, explains that seasonal depression roots from overwhelming stressors like remembrance of the past.
“How I deal with it is I keep moving. I never stay still. I stick to one task, and I fully commit to getting it done, and I move onto another,” said Valenzula.
Some comfort methods he indulges in are physical activity. “I love working it out, physically and mentally. Constantly having your brain be turning with reading and educating myself.”
Something he reminds himself of during this time is, “Look how far you have come, look at your progress…you got to remember to turn on the light; happiness will find you,” said Valenzula.
The hope: comfort mechanisms. Watch a funny/comfort movie to snap out of that toxic mindset. Blast the all-time favorite album in the car, the one that makes one travel back in time to a better headspace.
Organize a friend’s night to surround oneself with the people that love and care about important relationships. No more bed rotting, instead indulge in happy impulses. Even if that moment of happiness will inevitably go away, chase another one.
Trust. Make the feeling of pride take over rather than sulking. If one can peel out of bed, even when the darkness is on top of their chest; that’s a serious victory. What’s the fun of seasonal depression if you cannot laugh at it in the face the way it does to people?
Dominique Macias is a writing contributor and photographer and may be reached at [email protected]
