Surviving a Seasonal Slump (aka Seasonal Depression)

I’ve needed some time to recharge after a serious seasonal slump. Can you relate? Hibernation anyone? I have been battling adult regression mixed with seasonal depression. I’m over all the rules of being a functioning adult and I’d like to start over. 

I’m mourning the loss of summer, loss of sleep, loss of friends, and basic hope for humanity (thank you, presidential election 2016). The world seems more appealing in silent mode.

What has majorly been lacking: my motivation. Paired with my depleted energy, I feel continuous, emotional periods of failure. “Mommy meltdowns” occur regularly. I want my positive, upbeat self back. This experience has been brutal. Fall brings with it a new list of demands, and up until a week ago, I was not interested in participating.

It took a hard, totally ungraceful slip in my yard (thanks to a million acorns) to knock some sense back into me. I hadn’t laughed so hard in ages, and laying on the cold ground, in self-induced pain seemed to wake me out of my sad state of mind.

This year, the change in seasons has put me into a serious downward spiral that I hope to never enter again. I can’t fully blame the weather change, but it was an obvious culprit. 

I’d wake up in the morning and tell myself that I needed to relax. I only wished to be wrapped in a permanent blanket burrito. After weeks of sleep issues (thanks to my one-year-old), relaxing was all I wanted to do. The world had other plans. I just wanted silence. My mind whispered to me all day to push through the motions of parenting, cleaning, organizing, cooking, and facing all the things I sincerely wanted to quit.

I was at a place where I was ready to say “peace out adulthood, find me in 2014 where life was simpler.” I felt like the worst human being for wanting any other life back than the amazing one I have now, but I couldn’t stop fantasizing and reflecting on how simple life used to be.

Kudos to the universe, which seemed to know I was in a seasonal slump and magically delivered me the best therapy. I received beautiful, warm October days. They rolled in and I was able to breathe much-needed fresh air back into my deflated soul. I realized it was time to get out of the house and away from the endless chores that had been nagging at me.

Fall in New England is epic, and don’t you forget it. Go leaf peeping and then go visit a farm that sells cider donuts if you’re feeling blue. I need to give cider donuts a “YOUGE” shout out for their important role in my revival, because they were a driving force in getting me out the door. 

Here are my simple seasonal slump survival tips:

• Get outside. There are amazing places to explore in every corner of the Seacoast. Even if you don’t want to hike or walk, there are so many farms with so many fresh donuts! Vitamin D is essential, so go soak it up before winter really hits.
• Recognize when you’re in a slump and share it with others. Write about it, talk about it, whatever you do, figure out how to manage it because stress is toxic. 
• Let some things go. It’s so easy to feel pressured to be super mom, super parent, and super friend–but all of these things are impossible to be when you’re spread too thin. Try to find balance. 
• Date your spouse. Do I really need to explain how important this is? Stop making excuses and get a babysitter!! This is one of my favorite remedies. 
• Disconnect. Put down the device and connect with the important people behind the screen. It’s very clear at this time in history how chaotic and cruel the real world is, so don’t be afraid to take a break from all the drama.
• And don’t forget to eat fresh donuts and play in the leaves!

That’s my personal story and basic tips for overcoming adult regression mixed with seasonal depression. Parenting isn’t easy and I’m so glad I recognized these feelings. I will reflect on them and know what it took to get through my seasonal slump. 

What are some of your tried and true ways to overcome the seasonal slump?