Sadness

Fall is here – there is no doubt about it. It’s cold outside, the sun does not peek through the clouds as often as it did just days ago, we’ve taken out our fall coats and boots and scarves and perhaps even gloves.

The leaves are yellowing; summer is most definitely over.

Fall is a time of passing.

We see the grass turning brown, the flowers shriveling up, the trees shedding their leaves, the days getting shorter – and, perhaps, we feel a tinge of sadness.

This sadness is usually normal. Psychologists use the term “seasonal depression” to describe a negative change in our mood during the cold months. I see a lot of my students sitting in class with long faces, I hear less laughter and giggles, no one is as anxious to venture outside during breaks. Personally, I blame the cold combined with lack of sunlight (I’m not the only one; some researchers believe that less sunlight during the fall and winter months causes our brains to produce less serotonin, a chemical that regulates our mood).

So… let’s say that you’re feeling down in the dumps this fall. What can you do about it?

Understand that what you are going through is completely normal and most people experience it to a degree. Many people feel a bit less energetic and optimistic this time of the year. Trust me, I’m a teacher :-)

Do not give up on life. Find an activity that will cause you joy… and do it often! Pet a kitten! Watch a stupid comedy! Bake a pumpkin pie! Share a meal with friends! Laugh as often as possible. After all, laughter really is the best medicine!

Take a supplement that will boost your immune system. Alternatively (in fact – preferably), eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. I know that many of you miss your mom’s cooking (and stocked refrigerator!), so take control of your diet and supply your bodies with the vitamins and minerals that are so essential during these colder months, especially Vitamin C.

Start a project that will keep you active (and occupied). Buy a new video game and beat all the levels (I recommend Super Mario Bros.). Paint your room. Paint a canvas. Learn to bake pumpkin pie (and bring your teacher a slice). Work on your abs. Take a walk along the lakeshore. If you can’t come up with an activity – do your homework! (Just kidding, I know no one does their homework…)

Share your feelings with a friend or someone you trust. Telling someone about your problems usually brings great relief. That’s what friends are for!

If you find that nothing can snap you out of your bad mood, if you feel sad all the time, or worse – find it difficult to function (have trouble getting out of bed, notice a change in your eating habits (over or undereating), a change in your sleeping habits (can’t fall or stay asleep; or constantly oversleep; or find yourself constantly napping), etc.), you may want to visit a doctor.

What do you do to stay happy all year round? Share your ideas in the comments.

#sadness #fall #autumn #depression #seasonal