007: Seasonal Depression | Reversing the Spiral

In the Meanwhile

In this episode of our "In the Meanwhile" podcast, Page shares about her struggle with Seasonal Depression, how to identify the triggers and steps you can take to reverse the downward spiral once you realize the direction you're going. SHOW NOTES Seasonal Depression (as opposed to Clinical Depression) is a season of ongoing sadness, often in the fall, but can come during other seasons as well. Some reasons people can have a tendency toward Seasonal Depression include:

• A seasonal change in routine, a more demanding time of year (children going back to school)
• The approaching anniversary of a traumatic event
• Light deprivation
• Approaching holidays

Signs of Seasonal Depression can be:

• The tendency to go into isolation
• Loneliness, missing the activities and social events of summertime
• Continual feeling of sleepiness
• A prolonged case of the blues

8 Steps you can take to reverse the downward spiral of Seasonal Depression:

1. Examine your diet.
2. Examine your sleep habits.
3. Put God's truth all around you.
4. Decorate for the season.
5. Give thanks.
6. Embrace hospitality.
7. Do those things that bring you joy.
8. Focus outwardly rather than inwardly by serving others.

Les shares a few words of advice to help you encourage a spouse or a friend suffering with Seasonal Depression.

• Offer words or gifts of encouragement.
• Don't try to fix the problem. It's deeper than that. Sometimes you just need to listen
• Be patient.
• Pray with your loved one.

Remember, this too shall pass. Psalm 30:5b – Weeping may last for the night, but joy will come in the morning! Please note: If you suspect your depression may be more long-term and more serious than what we describe here, please see a doctor. There could be an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed. FREE RESOURCES

• Make a list of what you're thankful for using our free printable Thank You List. We encourage you to post it on your refrigerator as a visible reminder.
• Print and frame this encouraging reminder from Psalm 30. Download the artwork here.
• Relevant Magazine shares 10 Bible Verses That Will Help You Get Through a Rough Patch