2 months ago I got diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder.
It’s a type of depression that causes significant changes in a person’s mentality and physical behavior in certain seasons.
I’ve suffered from this condition without knowing about it for about 4 years now. I always brushed it off thinking that I’m not depressed and it’s just a feeling I have to tough out.
How It Happened
In certain months of the year, I suddenly lose interest in everything that I love doing, I feel depressed and worthless. I’d experience drastic changes in my behavior such as oversleeping, overeating, and agitation.
I had opened up to some friends about what was happening but I didn't get clear answers.
"You're just wasting money if you will go to the psychologist." was the response I got from one of them.
Feeling helpless, I decided to suck it up and just try everything I could to not feel it.
Waking up every day was a drag. It feels like It's taking 10 times my usual energy just to do basic things and work. I was miserable.
After a few weeks, I began to recover and get back on my feet.
But after a few months, it comes back. It always comes back. I was stuck in a cycle I couldn't just ignore. It bothers me and I didn’t know how to deal with it.
That’s why I finally decided to see a therapist who gave me clarity on what I was experiencing.
What I Did
I made the effort to get treated and I learned more about myself.
Knowing about the enemy I was facing allowed me to deal with it better.
Here are some things that helped me in beating this disorder:
Exercise and movement
Light therapy or getting sunlight
Eating food with vitamin D
Sleeping early and waking up early
Anti-depressants can also be taken but only when prescribed. I personally prefer not to take them if the other remedies would work.
What I Realized
As time went by, I realized that the illness of people who are sick doesn’t define who they are.
Because each of us has a character. It’s not suffering that builds your character, it’s your mindset that translates into actions and turns into a consistent habit.
I don't know if it will come back again next year or a few months from now. All I know is that I will always do something to get better.
I’m sharing this because some people may be experiencing the same things and I want to share what I learned going through this journey.
May you always find the light at the end of the tunnel. 🔥
- Rem