In the northwest suburbs of Chicago, gray skies and the cold chill in the air are signs that winter has arrived. Even the first big snowfall that has already melted reminds me that we've only just begun the season of shoveling, tossing ice melt and warming up our cars.
Then there are snowplows clearing streets, parking lots and driveways all hours of the day and night spreading salt and people firing up their snowblowers (I wish more would help their neighbors).
Kids bundled up sledding down hills, building snow characters and forts, and snowballs flying through the air. Parents pulling saucers or wagons with little ones holding on or a dog or two enjoying a ride!
Snowmobiles. Ice fishing. Ice hockey. Ice skating. Chewing on icicles. Don't eat yellow snow. Walking on the frozen river. Some good memories of my childhood.
Even with all of these activities happening all around us, especially the celebrated arrival of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day, many of us feel depressed. Our reason for winter depression is as different as there are people yet we all feel the same. None of us is alone in our depression.
The lie we believe?
"I am alone." No, you're not!
The truth:
"God loves you. He sees you. He hears you when you call out to him. He collects every tear you shed. He wants to have a personal relationship with you and you with him."
Winter Depression is hard and it's harder without a care team. Seek help from a psychiatrist, a therapist, or ask your doctor.
Use my links on the right to get started with NAMI and The Mighty.
