SAD Times and Navigating Season Changes

BY: Louis Hewett, LPC

PHILADELPHIA THERAPIST

The Holidays… times of joy, happiness, togetherness, but what about the SAD times during this time  of year? If you’ve experienced a shift in your mood during the fall and winter months, SAD could be  affecting your day-to-day routine. Seasonal Affective Disorder typically affects most during the fall and  winter months resulting from the shortened days and the harsher weather. Typically it includes  problems with sleep regulation, appetite changes, and various changes in mood and energy levels.  These changes can cause you to feel down, disinterested in enjoyable activities, with increased  feelings of hopelessness or sadness.  

The holidays, while, yes a time of great joy, can be a great stressor for many. The holidays may bring  up painful memories, difficult relational interactions, financial stressors, emotional trigger points, and  struggles related to keeping your feelings at the top of your holiday wish list. Let this be a reminder  that it’s okay to say “no” when you want to, and to say “yes” to the things that make sense for you  during this time. Another persons’s reaction to your boundaries is not on you to “fix” or to take on.  

SAD is a challenging experience particularly in relation to the depression-like symptoms associated  with this time of year. One of the most important ways to navigate through these feelings is by taking  space for yourself. Do things you enjoy,  identify patterns that help you feel  energized and engaged, and also  remember that it’s necessary to give our  bodies the time and space to rest when  we need it.  

Our choices need to be about ourselves,  first, before we can be there for others.  Sometimes, this may feel like an uncomfortable way to navigate through these times, yet taking time to reflect on what you want and to act on it, unapologetically, is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves during this holiday season.   SAD can cause you to feel like you might not be your best, and this can make you feel like you don’t deserve safety and love from those around you… but be reminded that you absolutely do. Our holiday joy is just as much about traditions as it is about our own wants and needs. Go out and make your own traditions, start new ones, and be clear with your wants and needs. Each passing holiday season brings new memories and challenges, and remember to focus on what you need, what you want, and who you choose to spend your time with.  If you aren’t showing yourself love, kindness, and grace, how can we expect ourselves to be able to  give that to our loved ones, chosen families and friends?  

We have to be as kind to ourselves as we possibly can be. We must remember that being kind and  loving with ourselves is an ongoing process. During this holiday season, affirm your joy daily, love  yourself, be kind to you, and give yourself permission to do all the things that bring YOU joy. 

Louis Hewett, LPC

Louis Hewitt, is a Licensed Therapist that offers therapy in our office in Center City, Philadelphia and virtually for residents of Pennsylvania and Delaware. He can support individuals who are, or have, experienced the effects of anxiety, panic, depression, mood disorders, various life adjustments, different levels of ability, and systemic oppression.

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