How To Take Care Of Yourself During An Autumn Depression

2024 Author: Harry Day | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:43

You need to prepare for autumn in advance. Do not hope that this year will carry you past the seasonal depression. I went through the headlines on the Internet, and again the opinion was jarred that this state should be “fought”, “coped with” or “got rid of”. In my opinion, it would be good to learn to balance between letting sadness do its important work, making time and space for this, but also being able to take care of yourself so that you don't drown in it. And distinguish one from the other.

This is not about clinical depression. Rather, about sub-depression or depressive states associated with a decrease in the amount of sunlight, heat, and if at this time there are any psychological difficulties, then they are exacerbated. And especially, loneliness is different in the city (loneliness in a relationship or not). I noticed that while I had been absorbed in planning and waiting for a trip to Europe for the two previous autumn months, I did not experience any symptoms of autumn depression. But after that, feelings of despondency, apathy, sadness and blues came. It's hard to get up in the morning and force yourself to do something. It became easier only in the evening. Of course, the opportunity to escape from the gray autumn everyday life somewhere in an interesting and sunny place, to change the scenery - changes the situation, and the blues disappears. This clearly indicates that the autumn depression is a thing that comes under the influence of the outside. And only if the internal difficulties are exacerbated, then you will not run away from yourself and to the sunny lands. And not often there is such an opportunity. Therefore, I propose to sort it out on the spot, without running away from your reality.

And here are some observations and recommendations I would like to share here.

Usually they recommend a standard set: tea, blanket, cat and dark chocolate. These are wonderful things. But you also need to work in the fall for the bulk of people. They will have to support themselves additionally.

Perhaps you, like me, do not want to go outside in cloudy weather, but at home alone, the blues cover. And, in spite of this, try all the same to go out into the street, it is better to go to the park for a walk. Because artificial lighting cannot replace, albeit sunless, but natural light.

It certainly gets easier after exercise. Yes, it is extremely difficult to drag yourself to the gym or pool, but the effort pays off. And if the inner parent is in tune, who will support, persuade and adjust correctly, then there is a chance to increase the level of dopamine and serotonin in the body, which will lead to an improvement in mood.

I want to talk about this function of the "inner parent" separately. Those who were lucky in their time with truly caring parents (not to be confused with overprotective ones!), They have this function built in from childhood. Many people have to develop this "inner parent" sometimes for years in psychotherapy. But this is an extremely important ability - self-sustainability. This does not mean that no one else is needed for support, the “inner parent” will just give strength and determination to directly seek help or support from other people. And in terms of developing this extremely important skill for an adult, autumn is a great time to start psychotherapy. Autumn is a special time when we need comfort, separation, presence, approval, and nurturing. And a pumped-up "inner parent" is able to provide us with this when there is no other close person nearby. He cannot replace the other, but will help maintain internal balance in his absence.

By and large, I would recommend saving some money especially for this period in order to spend it on something pleasant for yourself during this difficult period. Proven - it helps to dress smartly, and go out into a crowded place, walk around the shops, afford to buy something cute, not necessarily expensive, to sit in a cafe. Go to a concert, to the cinema, to the theater.

Do what you like more often. For example, it helps me to write articles, express myself, which I, in fact, for the same purposes now and do.

And of course, to be with people more often. Communicate with relatives, make friends closer, getting to know each other, closing the distance, sharing experiences and saying warm encouraging words to each other about their importance in our life. This is perhaps the most important recommendation. The warmth of the sun can be replaced by the warmth of the presence of significant people. If it seems that there is no one around, then this is just the time to start creating "support circles", that is, building relationships with people. We humans are social animals and relationships are our vital need. And autumn with its blues is the period when this need is exacerbated. I wish you to be sure to be someone's (someone's) at this time - beloved (beloved), friend (friend), colleague, friend (friend) or even just an acquaintance (acquaintance)!