BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Q:

I find myself losing meaning during the winter and feeling really down. What can I do?

A: The chaos of the holidays, lack of sunlight, and cold winter days can absolutely result in an increase in depression symptoms. During this time, it is important to validate our struggles, challenges, and emotions, while also finding balance and a sense of gratefulness for what we do have present in our lives. Listed below are some activities and ideas to help incorporate positivity and gratitude into our lives during these challenging times:

• Positive Journal – Every day will include both positive and negative experiences. While we may be more attentive to our negative experiences, it’s just as important to find balance through acknowledging our positive experiences. For each day of the week, write down at least 3 positive experiences to help find that balance.

• Building a Satisfying Life – On a piece of paper, imagine and describe where you would like to see yourself 5 years from now personally, professionally, and socially. Over the next week, spend at least 5 minutes each day visualizing this best, possible version of yourself. What sights do you experience? Sounds? Feelings? Write it down each day!

• Gratitude Journal for Couples and Families – It’s likely we have seen our significant others and those we live with more often this year due to schools and work being closed. It’s normal to feel a little more irritable with each other due to this increase in time spent with them! However, make a point to journal each day what you are grateful for about them to help find that balance. How did they show you affection? What was something they did that made you happy? How did they make you laugh? What was the best part of the day you spent with them? How did they overcome a challenge?

• Positive Experiences – This activity can be used to explore how we view ourselves and help construct a narrative about our identity we feel comfortable with. Write about a time that you displayed each of the following qualities: Courage; Kindness; Selflessness; Love; Sacrifice; Wisdom; Happiness; and Determination!

If you have continuous concerns regarding your wellbeing or satisfaction with life, please feel free to reach out to a professional at Premier Behavioral Health Services to further assist in building a life worth living.