Believe me when I say, seasonal affective disorder is a real thing. It’s referred to as SAD, but it’s not just about feeling sad. Not everyone has the same experience but it usually creeps up for us around the same time – winter.

Where I’m from, the weather changes are not only by the seasons. They can be day to day too. In June, it can be beautiful outside and in the high 60s one day. Then the next, it’s raining and in the low 50s. In New England, Mother Nature has a mind of her own and I say she’s the one to blame for SAD.

As one that lives with seasonal affective disorder, I have waves of emotion each day. It’s sort of like having depression, but the flare ups tend to happen more often during the seasonal changes in the fall and winter. That’s when it’s cold and dark most of the day and we all stay bundled up inside. It’s terrible and as one that doesn’t love the cold, it can be hard to deal with.

But I’ve learned a few things from having this. Over the years, I’ve paid attention. When I start to experience symptoms, I force myself to not be alone. My mind wanders when I’m alone and my thoughts always sway towards the negative. When you’re with people, doing something fun, it’s harder to fall down that rabbit hole of sadness. If you try this, don’t overburden yourself and fill it so much you feel overwhelmed. Find a happy balance.

The best thing to remember is that SAD will pass. The symptoms you face may bring you down temporarily, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. And if your symptoms feel too hard to handle, please seek professional help. Having a coach or a guide can help you work through these symptoms, feel better, and live not just float through life.