Winter can be a tough time of year for a lot of us. The weather is cold and dreary, many of us are confined to the indoors, and there isn’t a whole lot to look at outside in terms of greenery.
My mom was telling me that she was recently speaking with a nurse practitioner who explained to her that she has never seen so many patients, at this point in the winter, with cases of depression.
While I’m not necessarily surprised by a rise in cases of depression, I am concerned. Depression is a serious condition, and the fact that it is perhaps affecting more people this winter than last winter is an indication of just how much weather and seasons can influence how we’re feeling.
This is merely an observation of mine, but it’s possible that it stands true. If the weather can cause us to feel certain emotions, it is important to be mindful of how to boost our moods in the midst of a long winter to try to fend off the so-called winter blues.
So, how exactly can we do this?
Well, it’s best to begin by identifying what things help you to feel happier, or better. It’s possible that there are some activities that can’t be done in the winter, for example, lawn care or gardening. But, there are many options to engage in mood-boosting activities indoors, and with a little imagination and creativity, it’s easier than ever. Try teaching yourself how to play a new instrument. Practice yoga. Read a book. Start a new hobby, like painting or drawing. Have a dance party with yourself. Cook something new and exciting.
Whatever your preferences for fun are, try and find something that works for you this winter. It could make a world of difference in how you’re feeling.
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ontheedgeofeverything 
I love this! I suffer from depression and PTSD and lived in the Midwest most of my life, but I’ve been in Florida for about 7 years. I thought that the sunnier seasons and less gloomy winters would help but I didn’t see much. Depression always visited me in the winter. But the sunnier climate did not help my depression in the winter. As you suggest, fighting depression is an active process. Depression will never be conquered passively. There are various buckets of self-care that we all have to maintain (finance, social, spiritual, physical, intellectual, professional). Hobbies are important. Exercise is critical. Social networks are essential. There’s no magical cure for depression. Instead, it’s a matter of developing a way of life that holistically nourishes all of the buckets of self-care.
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Thanks so much for sharing! I couldn’t have said it better. Depression is a very complicated and subjective form of mental illness. I’m so happy to hear you agree and that you’re working on yourself. Thanks for reading, too!
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