Have you heard about seasonal affective depression, ironically referred to as SAD. It occurs during particular seasons when there is not enough sunlight. Usually around the winter months becoming worse in December and January.
This past Monday, I found out that a high school classmate of mine passed away over the weekend. Honestly, it affected me more than I thought it would and I’ve been thinking about her family and friends a lot over the week. I started at my high school during my junior year and for anyone that knows me, knows that I am very quiet and I have a hard time making friends. She was one of the very first people to talk to me and introduce herself in a class full of already close groups and cliques. So while we weren’t very close, we were always friendly.
What does this have to do with SAD, nothing but my family including myself have a history with SAD and it continues to be something that we deal with. I have recently become aware of the symptoms that I present with and I decided this year to try and take better care of myself. So when I heard about the passing, it’s as if my resolution for this winter flew out the window and I have been stuck in a slump all week. Now what does this have to do with blogging, well SAD affects millions of people around the world and so I thought that someone reading this could relate.
I come from a family where mental illness did not really exist, it was never something we talked about and so now that I am old enough to be able to educate myself in it. I’ve learned that mental health doesn’t always come in the same ways that are always shown in the tv shows that I watch. They come in many different shapes and sizes and affect all different types of people.
So I just wanted to remind you to take care of yourself even when life throws a bunch of curveballs at you, remember to make you a priority. I know that we already know this but sometimes a reminder is just necessary. I know that we don’t need to be told to love and take care of those around us but take care of the people around you. Love those around you. Don’t take them for granted because you never know what tomorrow will bring.
If you are having any problems or would just like to talk to someone, I encourage you to reach out to somebody because I promise there is always somebody that loves you enough to listen.
