You Don’t Want to Die, it’s Just Winter

It’s cold and rainy, you have no motivation to get out of bed or go outside, your skin is pale and breaking out, and you haven’t seen the sun in days. 

This, my friend, is seasonal depression, and, for many, it has a way of rearing its ugly head before they realize it. 

Seasonal depression happens to a large number of people, making the winter months a constant struggle to get through as you cling to the light at the end of the tunnel: spring and summer. 

However, before the first bloom of the spring season and the first 70-degree day, one must make it through January, February, and March. Post-holiday cheer, these months are nothing but dreary and gray, making it hard to push past the seasonal depression hitting like a truck. 

It’s like a flip of a switch when the season changes from summer and fall to winter. No longer able to romanticize the holiday season, a constant stream of people preaching about New Year’s resolutions and then inevitably tossing them to the side, and, for those still in school, the beginning of a new semester and even more expectations. All of these things pile up – paired with an almost twilight-like cover of clouds and rain – become the most daunting thing a person with seasonal depression can think of facing. And unfortunately, there is no Edward Cullen around to help us romanticize this time of year. 

There are many things that someone can try in order to lessen the feelings, making the winter months a little bit more exciting. First and foremost, prioritizing coziness is a must. One of my personal favorite ways of romanticizing winter is getting dressed up in a cozy outfit and taking my book to my favorite coffee shop. There is something about sitting in a warm cafe with a cup of coffee or tea that reminds me that there is warmth in the world, and if it’s not outside, I can find it somewhere else in the meantime. 

Once you’re able to find things that make you excited about winter, it becomes less of a daily task to get out of bed and face the bitter weather. Then suddenly, it’s once again spring, and now you are able to enjoy going outside and wearing lighter clothing. Feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin and getting some much-needed vitamin D. 

Seasonal depression is very common, so it’s important to remember you are not alone in your experience. Making the most of the time in the year and finding beauty in it can help ease the pain and give you a little bit of joy the other seasons bring. 

It’s also important to remember that in the hustle and bustle of life and being productive, winter is the season of hibernation and rest for us as well, not just bears. Sometimes slowing down a little bit and focusing on the little things is the best way to get through the tough moments. 

Strike Out, 

Madi Denizard 

Boca Raton 

Madi Denizard is a content writer for Strike Magazine Boca. In typical Leo fashion, she is a social butterfly and loves self-expression of all kinds. When she’s not writing, you can find her with her nose stuck in a book, mermaiding in the ocean or crocheting her newest masterpiece. You can reach her by email at madison.denizard@gmail.com or on Instagram @mpaigee_