Throughout these two trials, one thing remains clear – I must always be vigilant in taking care of my mental health.
Beyond depression, another mood related issue that I have struggled off and on since 2006 is seasonal affective disorder. Appropriately, it’s also known by the acronym SAD. The Mayo Clinic defines SAD as “type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons, start[ing] in the fall and continu[ing] into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.” This is linked to the decrease in sunlight each day and how it can mess with your body. Most people improve once the warmer seasons roll around.
I’m feeling more effects from SAD this particular winter since it’s been so cold and dreary here in Virginia. However, I have a feeling that once spring hits, it should improve. But if it doesn’t, I’ll be vigilant and speak with my doctors about it.
Though I never did manage to find a therapist that I could connect with, I’ve found that talking to people and writing about my mental health journey continues to help me heal. However, I’m still open to the idea of therapy again and wouldn’t feel any shame as I did in 2006 if I pursue that route. I do want a therapist who has faced cancer or is has working with cancer survivors as a speciality area.
As I wrap up this month of reflective writing, I know that I definitely wouldn’t say that I am glad to have gone through depression twice. Yet, I do appreciate that I did. These two experiences help me to understand what changes in mood to look for so I know what to be aware of in the future. If I notice repeated patterns, hopefully I’ll catch it even earlier than I did in 2017.
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image credit – pixabay
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