Frostbite & Feelings: When the Cold Hits Harder Than Life
Seasonal depression can be kind of a bitch and unexpected as you are coming off the highs of the holidays. Sarah wanted to spend some time talking about this topic and I wanted to speak on ways to cope with anxiety. Bring both of these topics together, and you get some great insights from the three of us. We’ve all struggled with depression and anxiety at one point in our lives, and still deal with it today. If I think of our group on a scale related to how much we like the cold weather, Sarah would be on the HOT side, Brandi on the COLD side. I fall in the middle. Sarah HATES the midwest weather and would just love to sit by the pool all year round in Florida. Brandi thrives in the cold and would rather move to Michigan. I don’t particularly like the cold, but appreciate the seasons and don’t mind bundling up to go outside. This is where our episode starts and then I dive into my timeline with seasonal depression and anxiety from a few years ago.
When I was first prescribed Zoloft for my anxiety medication, I was extremely worried that this medication would be harmful for me. This medication did make me depressed and then I moved to Celexa which was better, but still not the best. Sarah has also tried Zoloft and a few other options. Brandi on the other hand THRIVES on Zoloft. We are all different! It was interesting to learn that Brandi’s anxiety has to do with what’s happening in her life - like her job, her relationship, etc. If she forgets to take her medication during those days, she can tell that there’s a difference. I can certainly relate that my anxiety is impacted based on things happening in my life.
Brandi takes her winter depression as a hibernation period. She gives herself more grace during these months and uses this time to take more naps, eat more snacks, and be at home more than she would during the summer months. Sarah takes the same approach and stays at home more throughout these months. While I also tend to be inside more, I also feel like I intentionally leave my house every day since I work from home and need to get out of house. Retail therapy is always a great way to get out of the house - whether you are walking about Barnes & Noble buying too many books, or forever adding to your wishlist from R.E.I., how we spend our time in the winter months are ones to cherish, even when our moods are low.
Another theme we address is the significance of maintaining a routine. In winter, it's easy to slip into a state of lethargy; that’s when we talk about how getting out of bed, dressing up, and maintaining a morning routine can drastically change our emotional state. Even putting on shoes and wearing them around the house is a game-changer!
For the listeners, we recommend starting small—finding what's manageable for you and gradually expanding those efforts. Acknowledge that winter sucks and spring is coming! Embrace the down time while it’s here and know that this too shall pass.
Listen now! If you have ways that you cope with seasonal depression and anxiety, we would love to hear from you! Text us now - the link is at the top of description!
Chapters to check out:
0:00 Coping With Seasonal Depression and Anxiety
12:11 Finding Balance and Self-Care
15:11 Cabin fever, getting out of the house...or not
18:51 Exploring Solo Adventures and Comfort Zones
23:29 Balancing Winter Comfort and Productivity
35:04 Anxiety & Coping Mechanisms
45:12 Fan Mail & Future Episode Suggestions
So until next time - stay bold, stay empowered…
Rachael & the Girl Gang
