Adding Light to Winter Depression’s Darkness

Every winter darkness creeps in, bringing depression to many. It’s no surprise since many deaths coincide with the holiday stress. Shorter days steal precious sunlight. Cold temps and bad weather keep people cooped inside with hyper kids who are, usually, out of school. Talk about exhausting! “Achoo!” Now, someone has the flu, or worse . . . Covid-19.

My Winter Depression

While I have never suffered from clinical depression, every winter depression insists on visiting me, but this guest checks out earlier than I used to. When diagnosed at 19, with a hereditary, progressive eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa, I wasn’t depressed, surprisingly. Thankfully, God granted me a much slower progression than the doctors predicted.

This didn’t mean I received a “get out of depression free card” though. Constantly changing vision requiring adjustments continually caused stress that tried to morph into depression. Not being able to drive at night those first few years brought darkness into my world to fight off daily. By the time winter rolled around, I couldn’t combat it any longer with the extra stress.

Once married to an instant family, responsibilities increased as the vision decreased, making winter depression inevitable, especially after pregnancy and an addition of a baby. Every winter it worsened, until I feared I might require medication.

Thankfully, with much prayer, a supportive husband, and a problem-solving mind, I began to discover things to try, decreasing my episodes. We were able to pastor a church, start businesses, and I home schooled the youngest. Depression was prevented except at the onset of winter, and in extreme situations.

Eventually, I identified the reason depression came at winter’s start . . . my daily routine was turned upside-down in the winter. I relied heavily on sunlight to do housework. Shorter days meant I could no longer accomplish the same amount of tasks. Dishes and laundry had to find new time slots during the day.

As depressing or frustrating as that part was, what troubled me the most was I felt I was going blind all over again. Now I see; now I don’t.

Strategies and Practical Tips to Combat Depression

Once I accepted this is how my life would be, I could be in control of how I reacted . . . and I chose to implement some strategies I came up with.

I pray these suggestions add light in your winter darkness, if not wipe it out completely.

• Enjoy the season. You can’t change it, so find the positives. after all. Everyone needs a change of pace every now and then. It’s a good time to catch up on that reading list!
• Plan special indoor events for your family such as hot cocoa and game night, cards, or movies. We need each other.
• Consider taking vitamin D. Consult your physician or a pharmacist to recommend the appropriate quantity.
• Invest in unfiltered light bulbs. Normally hanging out in a mood lamp, my family uses them as regular lights to keep mama in a good mood.
• Plan the right amount of activities. Lightening my load made my life more manageable. Know your body and moods. It’s okay to pass on being coach of, leader of, or even attending extra events during the cold and flu season. On the other hand, make sure you get out enough if physically possible.
• Bring a little spring indoors. Get a bouquet of flowers, burn flower scented candles, or listen to nature sounds. Add bright colors.
• Listen to music – fast for more energy and classical if stressed.
• Watching comedies or reading joke books goes a long way.
• Start a new hobby. You might be able to start creating next year’s Christmas gifts. Crafts, art, learning to play a new instrument, or bake.
• Stay connected . . . with others, and most importantly, with God. Prayer makes a world of difference. God made us social creatures to fellowship with Him and others. If unable to get out for visits or to sip some coffee, try reaching out yourself with a phone call.
• Do something for someone else. Every act of kindness takes your mind off your troubles, and lifts your spirits.

Journal your highlights every day, including emotions. Pray as you reflect to learn your triggers. Stress and anxiety can lead to depression.

Question. What suggestions could you add to this list? Please share in the comments below to help your friends.

Thanks for taking time to read and share this to help others.

© 2023, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.