Many people experience symptoms of Seasonal Depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is most common in winter, but there’s research that shows it’s becoming increasingly common in summer, too. With temperatures rising dangerously and BC summers becoming so smoky, as well as the isolation from friends and routine that school-age kids can experience, it makes sense.
One thing that can help with Seasonal Depression is making sure you always have something to look forward to. This helps strengthen the neuropathways in your brain that are about thoughts of looking forward to the future.
Try making a list of things you look forward to in each season.
Here’s an example:
Spring
- Gardening
- Bike rides
- Not wearing a coat
- Later sunsets
Summer
- Swimming
- Popsicles
- Throwing sticks in the water at the dog beach
- Car rides with the windows down
Fall
- PSLs (IYKYK)
- Hoodies and sweaters
- Skateboarding because it’s not too hot
- Halloween
Winter
- String lights (I mean, why wait, right?)
- Ice skating
- Hot chocolate
- Snow angels
We are so lucky that we get four seasons here in Canada! So many places in the world don’t have that.
What do you look forward to in each season? What are you most looking forward to now?