Fall-ing.
For many, Fall is one of the best times of year. It's sunny- warm but not too warm, the leaves are beautiful, sweaters are the best, and the food starts to get really homey and familiar. But for many with mental health, this time of year can feel like the beginning of the “end”. Because we all know what's RIGHT around the corner…winter. Cold days, little sunshine, holidays that may remind us of those we’ve lost, stress, etc. For many who have mental health, fall signals that things might be about to get worse.
It makes sense right? We go out less, we have less vitamin D, and the holidays can bring a myriad of emotions. While it makes sense, it still seems to take many of us by surprise. January of every year is ripe with people starting therapy because they feel down, unhealthy, or tired- and I’m glad they are reaching out! But, even those already in therapy or who have been managing their own mental health may experience a decline over the winter. It's actually REALLY COMMON.
So what do we do?
Start talking to your providers about it NOW. Whether a therapist or a doctor, start the conversation. Your therapist can help you prep and your doctor can maybe increase medication or start you on vitamins to help counteract.
Start or continue a rhythm. What I mean by this is have something you commit to every week. So it could be Monday night girls night, poker night, guitar lessons, date night, brunch, running group...but it needs to be something with other people, you are committing to, even if just virtually.
Learn something or start something new. In addition to a rhythm that helps you keep getting up and out there, start something that will challenge and motivate you when the winter doldrums start to rear their ugly head.
Tell your people. We need people who will ask us how we are and with whom we feel we can answer honestly.
These things are not a cure for the “winter blues” or the increase in symptoms, however the list above will help manage the symptoms and can alleviate their severity.
What you need to know is this: You are not alone in experiencing a decline in mental health, you do have choices in how to prep and handle the changing of the seasons, and support is never more than a phone call away.
