Winter brings about many things, things like cold temperatures, snow, and the holidays. Winter also brings out the worst in me... it brings about a fresh bout of depression that tends to make me live my days rather pessimistically.

 

 

I've also heard many different 'diagnoses' as to why I feel the way I do. I've been told depression in the winter is typically a symptom of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or more commonly referred to as 'the winter blahs'. Seasonal Affective Disorder is often 'controlled' with use of prescriptions for anti-depressants as well as using 'special' light bulbs which simulate the Sun during Summer. Another possibility has been just a general depression that goes unnoticed until Winter, during which the 'Great Outdoors' goes chaotic, and mobility outdoors is more limited. I've been told to 'get more exercise outdoors and try to enjoy the weather', with the end result typically being some variant of a bronchial infection, and a lot less time spent outdoors. One of the last things I've been told is that I could be bipolar, and when winter comes about, it could be happenstance that the depression becomes prominent. Help comes from many sources, including taking anti-depressants, therapy, and support groups.

 

 

What is the result of all this? Everything I have tried has proven to do nothing to alleviate my depression during Winter, and it is something I have to deal with without going overboard. My depression has often driven a spike between me and my family and friends. The thought of 'happy holidays' is one that I once loved, yet lately loathe, but every day I try my hardest to not let my Winter depression get the very best of me... I'll save my best for those that matter.

 

 

This rant written by Joe Rosendorf Jr.  This is merely an opinion based on personal experiences, and is intended to inform based on those experiences.