Patagonia Vest and Leggings, Lilly Pulitzer Sweatshirt and Nike Sneakers c/o
If you’re not familiar with Seasonal Affective Disorder, count your blessings. If you are, my heart goes out to you. Because it’s really crappy.
SAD, aptly abbreviated, is a type of depression that’s related to daylight and changes in seasons–and it’s a bit more serious than the “winter blues.” It typically starts sometime in the fall and ends sometime in the spring, and it’s usually treated with psychotherapy, light therapy, medication or management techniques. (Or a combination of a few of those things.)
SAD reared its ugly head for me during the fall of my freshman year of college. Great timing, right? I was probably predisposed to depression, but I’m relatively confident that the difficult transition from home to college triggered it. I was 17, homesick, and lonely. And to tell you the truth, it was only after I finally spoke to a professional that I realized my symptoms–feelings of hopelessness and sadness, the change in my personality, the excessive crying, and my withdrawal from everything I’d once enjoyed and loved–were largely due to the lack of sunlight during shorter days of the year.
There were times when getting out of bed seemed to be an impossible feat; when I had to wear sunglasses on the subway to hide my tears; when I shrank away from family, friends, hobbies and interests; and when I had to leave work halfway through the day because I felt like my heart was collapsing in on itself.
My battle with SAD lasted throughout college as well as into my early and mid 20s. And it was rough. There were times when getting out of bed seemed to be an impossible feat; when I had to wear sunglasses on the subway to hide my tears; when I shrank away from family, friends, hobbies and interests; and when I had to leave work halfway through the day because I felt like my heart was collapsing in on itself. (Not the best feeling.)
Today, I’m so much better. While I still experience little bouts of sadness during the winter months, I’ve seemingly grown out of the worst of the disorder. (For now. I realize it could definitely come back one day.) Today, the symptoms I’m left with aren’t fun, but they’re manageable. Which I’m incredibly thankful for.
There are so many things you can do to treat SAD. I admittedly don’t do all of them these days, but I still use a light box, take vitamin D, and make an effort to exercise in the sunlight. Exercising is always the last thing I want to do when I’m feeling down in the dumps, but it makes a HUGE difference–especially when I do it outdoors.
If you live in Chicago, you’re probably looking at these photos and thinking, “GIRLFRIEND IS CRAZY.” Which is why I probably should have prefaced this whole post with a disclaimer: Don’t go running/walking outside for extended periods of time when it’s -2 degrees outside! And don’t worry: these pics were snapped a couple of weeks ago by my good friend Emily when temps were in the 40s. (Tropical!)
And yes, my whole exercising outside thing has been on hold this past week as Chicago has turned into the Arctic tundra, but normally, it’s a big priority in my life during prime “SAD times of the year.” And I’m so excited to get back outside this week, as temps are supposed to rise.
That’s all for now, Friends. Hope this resonates with a few of you and makes you feel a bit less alone if you fight a tough battle, too.
Think your “Winter Blues” might be Seasonal Affective Disorder? Learn more here, and reach out for help!
Photos of Emily of Isn’t That Charming
Thanks for sharing, as I’ve mentioned in an earlier post I to have SAD and take meds to keep me from feeling like my life is spinning out of control. I don’t wish it on my worst enemy, it’s awful and unless you have gone through it you really cannot relate. I need to exercise but I’m lazy, ha! I did lay down Saturday with the sun beaming through my bedroom window and just relished in the sunlight, it was heaven, until my two crazy boys decided jumping on the bed with mom laying in it would be great fun. Just keep thinking ‘Spring is on it’s way’:)
Hi Sara!
Yes — I remember you saying that; I’m so sorry that you’ve had to suffer through it as well. Totally agree about how much laying in the sunlight helps… Isn’t it amazing?! I desperately wish I had a window seat. ;)
Keep on keepin’ on… You’re right… spring is just around the corner and the days are getting longer every day! :)
XOXO!
Hi Sara!
Yes — I remember you saying that; I’m so sorry that you’ve had to suffer through it as well. Totally agree about how much laying in the sunlight helps… Isn’t it amazing?! I desperately wish I had a window seat. ;)
Keep on keepin’ on… You’re right… spring is just around the corner and the days are getting longer every day! :)
XOXO!
Thanks for sharing, as I’ve mentioned in an earlier post I to have SAD and take meds to keep me from feeling like my life is spinning out of control. I don’t wish it on my worst enemy, it’s awful and unless you have gone through it you really cannot relate. I need to exercise but I’m lazy, ha! I did lay down Saturday with the sun beaming through my bedroom window and just relished in the sunlight, it was heaven, until my two crazy boys decided jumping on the bed with mom laying in it would be great fun. Just keep thinking ‘Spring is on it’s way’:)
Thank you for sharing Kelly! I’m glad you are feeling like the worst of it is behind you!
http://www.thatgirlmags.com
I also have a work out bootcamp out side at a park twice a week. Outside exercise is great all around. The also a cycle class at the Y. Weather permitting I put my workout bench outside and do my work out looking up at the trees or even the stars in the summer evenings. It is a great way to exercise!
Oh, summer stars. Sigh… I can’t wait! :) xoxo, Girl!
Oh, summer stars. Sigh… I can’t wait! :) xoxo, Girl!
Loving your workout style.
Liv
http://www.livforstyle.net
Loving your workout style.
Liv
http://www.livforstyle.net
These pics turned out SO cute!! Thank goodness for that 40 degree day – it really did feel tropical! Also, I love how candid you are. It’s really brave of you to share this with all of your readers, Kelly. You continue to inspire me!
xoxo,
Lauren | http://www.lakeshorelady.com/
I am missing my walks in the sun at lunch so badly. It’s hard to see how much it effects you until it’s already taking effect a lot! Here is to hoping for balmy 40 degree days again so we can both get outside!
I think it’s amazing that you’re opening up about SAD. It’s no joke and I think you’ll be able to touch a lot of people who also go through it! On another note, love the fun workout gear! Working out is an amazing mood booster for me and the pieces are adorable!
http://asequinloveaffair.com
Love these photos!! You look amazing! Your outfit is also so creative and cute.
xo Lauren
http://www.earthtostyle.com
lately, I’ve been feeling symptoms like this, ugh! some days getting out of bed is impossible, but working out seriously helps so much. even when I really don’t want to, I’m always glad that I did!
Oh girl, you and be both. This time of year is so freaking hard, and the lack of sunlight seriously slays me. I need to borrow your happy lamp ASAP ;)
At least we can have happy fun times soon and not feel so glum? Let’s do it soon! xx
Thank you for sharing! I have to deal with SAD as well and it’s really tough some days. I so look forward to my sunny days….
Kelly. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You’re a strong, powerful woman!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com