Winter Blues | tips to help combat seasonal depression

Living in Michigan, I am sure most of us have encountered seasonal depression. In the winter, the sun disappears and it becomes very easy to fall into a funk. Though we are now a year into this pandemic, many of us are still adapting to feelings of isolation.

Seasonal depression or, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a period of depression that happens each year at the same time. Living in Michigan, it is common for seasonal depression to happen in the later winter months. This is likely due to the lack of sun and therefore decrease in serotonin levels. Your children may be especially susceptible to seasonal depression because their schedule’s and obligations do not decrease during the winter, but daylight hours do.

I wanted to share with you some ways to combat seasonal depression. Whether you need help with navigating a conversation with your child about it or dealing with it yourself, I think these tips will help you.

Tips to combat Seasonal Depression physically, mentally, and spiritually:

1.       Get Some Sun! This is a simple tactic to help give your body a boost in serotonin. I recommend walking outside for 30 minutes while the sun is at it’s peak. Keeping your body moving and exposing it to sunlight will help to stimulate your brain. This may be hard, especially if your child is stuck at school indoors all day.

If your child is unable to get out in the cold weather, I recommend a sunlight lamp. These lamps give off artificial light rays that mimic the sun! Light therapy has been proven to improve seasonal depression. Sit in front of the lamp for 15-60 minutes a day. This will help not only your mood but the light in your space if you are cooped up at home. This could be something you help your child incorporate into their morning routine.

2.       Write it out. When your child is feeling peaks in their depression, it helps to write it down. Have them put words to the things that are stressful in their life. Seeing a clear list will help to focus, and not send their brain spiraling. By writing down their feelings and thoughts for a few minutes, they can discover patterns. Recognizing patterns in their depression will help to cope with future spikes. Putting it out on paper will also allow them to process in private if they aren’t ready to verbalize their feelings with others.

I would also recommend using journal prompts. Prompts help when it is hard to put into words your feelings. It may be helpful if your child isn’t used to writing about topics personal to them.

3.       Meditate on Scripture. God’s word can be a powerful healing method. If you or your child is experiencing seasonal depression, then you know that it can be hard to focus at times. The bible can be a great way to re-center your spirit and bring about purpose. A verse that really helps me out during this season is Romans 15:13.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. -Romans 15:13

I like to read this verse repeatedly and focus on the words that stand out to me. This can be done with any section of the bible. Sitting alone in the silence and repeatedly reading scripture allows your thoughts to clear. When you are alone and with God, Speaking His word can make you feel present and calm.

There is no one answer to curing seasonal depression. Hopefully these tips help you and your child navigate this difficult season. My wish is to help ease any struggles and introduce some healthy practices.

At Lifeline we recognize that our students are going through this unprecedented season of life, and you as the parents are walking alongside them. We want to equip both you and them to grow and find peace is this tumultuous time.

Our hearts go out to you! Thank you for all you do.

About the author:
Hannah LaJoye

Hannah LaJoye is a second year Lifeline Resident at the Kentwood Campus.