A humble woman prays

The morning after…

We were going 90 miles an hour, putting as much time, energy and money into having the best holidays that we had or hoped to be able to pay back. The excitement was felt. The food was delicious. The laughter was loud. The fun was a blast. Or maybe it wasn’t? Either way, our celebration was what it was.

And then the morning after strikes!

The post-holiday blues refers to the short-term feelings that individuals experience after the holidays, including sadness, loneliness, fatigue, disappointment, sluggishness, mental distress, or even dread of the upcoming winter months

Looking at the clutter, the exhaustion, the bank account, the wonderful gifts but where do I put them, the remarks that stung, and more, can be overwhelming. For more resources go to HELP

But did you know that December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month?

Many people go through short periods when they feel sad or unlike their usual selves. Sometimes, these mood changes begin and end when the seasons change. Many people feel “down” or have the “winter blues” when the days get shorter in the fall and winter and feel better in the spring when longer daylight hours return.

Sometimes, these mood changes are more serious and can affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. If you have noticed significant changes in your mood and behavior when the seasons change, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

In most cases, SAD symptoms start in the late fall or early winter and go away during the spring and summer, known as winter-pattern SAD or winter depression. Other people experience depressive symptoms during the spring and summer months, known as summer-pattern SAD or summer depression. Summer-pattern SAD is less common.

You are not alone!

If you are experiencing a hard time right now, please reach out for help. If you were having chest pains or a tooth ache, then you would reach out to the doctor or dentist. Depression and other mental issues are the same. Reach out to Mental Health Professionals when needed.

Here are some other sites that offer information on what some of us are experiencing.

Post Holiday Blues– Site here for more info.

Seasonal Depression– PDF- Click to view PDF packed full of information and help.  For the website– Site for more information and resources.

Dial 988 for the Suicide Hotline.

Suicide Hotline makes it easy to get in touch with others who understand and can help. Just dial 988 for help. Open24 hours a day.  Their website is here.

But how can we help others?

• If you see someone suffering, there are several things you can do to help:
  • Offer a listening ear and emotional support.
  • Provide practical help, such as running errands or assisting with tasks.
  • Encourage the person to seek professional help if needed.
  • Show empathy and compassion, and let the person know they are not alone.
  • Educate yourself about the issue at hand and provide relevant resources or support.

The Mayo Clinic provides guidance on how you can help someone suffering: Go here.

I am not a mental health professional, but I am a mother and grandmother who lives in the mountains of NC. I battled depression many years ago, and I have been around many friends and family who have fought mental illness and conditions. It is nothing that should cause shame or require you to suffer alone. Get help. You deserve to be healthy again.

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly God, Please guide your children to the help that they need. The help that you provided for us, via professionals, medication and other treatments. Please hold them tight! In Jesus Name we pray, Amen