Overcoming Winter Blues

Winter here in Australia is a beautiful season, and is relished by some… but for others it can be a difficult time.

I’m not going to lie, I’m one who finds winter hard. As daylight hours decrease, the temperature plummets and the mud deepens, I find all too often that my energy levels and mental state start to slide downward too.

June, historically, has been my worst month. It is a month when in the past, I have faced suicide ideation. I have felt collapse and lack of drive, and there have been times on reflection where I wonder how on earth I got through.

One part of me queries why I have these experiences. As a trauma-trained somatic practitioner and energy healer, can’t I just turn it off? Heal it? Move right on? But the answer lies in the fact that I am still human, having human experiences, and that all these experiences help me relate to and support others better. It is the tools I have learnt, the self-regulation and self-compassion that have joined me on my journey that help me notice with awareness the state I am in and take proactive steps upwards, rather than slipping further downhill.

How to get through winter depression

Winter can be a truly spectacular season, breathtaking in its beauty and nudity. But for many, it can bring challenges difficult to navigate. I know I haven’t been alone in experiencing feelings of sadness, isolation and despair. If you, like me, struggle at this time of year, I hope that some of the things that have helped me, help you too.

Coping strategies for depression

FRIENDS

One of the most significant factors in my treacherous navigation through winter has been contact and support from friends. Having even just a few people who care about you, who check in with you and who will listen can make an enormous difference – even if it doesn’t feel that way in the moment. Friends can offer a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, or just a distraction from the dark thoughts as they creep in. They remind us we are not alone, even if we feel isolated.

PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

On occasion I have also turned to support from counsellors, therapists and energy healers… when I have been able to encourage myself to make contact with them! These people have listened non-judgementally to my negativity and/or despair, held space for my tears and distress, and offered  wisdom, guidance and sometimes shared experiences. Although it was hard to reach out to them when I needed help, it really was one of the best decisions. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

PETS

However, these are not the only things that have pulled me through. My animals have kept me going, offered a lifeline. My dogs, cats, horses. Even in the dreariest of times when I have felt I have lost connection with them, there is some small part in me that knows that if I don’t attend to them, no one else will. For some of my animals, giving up on them would have in itself have been a death sentence. Having the responsibility of caring for them gave me purpose – and even at times brought up feelings of resentment – but resentment is a feeling better than a numb lifelessness! Their unconditional love and acceptance of where I was at helped too. Their confirmation of being in the moment, of feeling the internal stuff, of knowing ‘this too shall pass.’

GRATITUDE PRACTICE

Another thing that has helped me is when I have found moments to feel into gratitude. It might sound cliché, but believe me, it works. Focussing on the little things – the really little things – can have a profound impact on mood and outlook. The moment when the sun comes out from behind the clouds, giving light, warmth and promise of better times. Hearing birdsong – or even birds fighting – can shift my focus from what is lacking or difficult to what is present.

MINDFULNESS

Engaging in mindfulness helps me ground and brings my awareness back to the present moment, rather than allowing my mind to wander to dark and overwhelming places. Mindfulness can be as simple as feeling the ground under my feet, noticing that I can’t feel my fingers (because of the cold!), noticing the colour of the sky. Turning to your senses of sound, sight, taste and smell help distract from the inner turmoil.

DO.ING

I’m a list person, so making a list comes easy. I make a list that includes all the really small things that need doing. That way, when I tick them off I feel better about myself; like I have achieved something, however small.

EXERCISE

It can be really hard to muster the energy to exercise when feeling limp and over it all, but literally putting one step in front of another can help release endorphins that improve mood. Going for a walk, or even just stretching can help alleviate the physical and mental heaviness.

NOURISHMENT

When I slide downwards, or if I’m really stressed, my appetite goes out the door. Not eating for periods of time also doesn’t help our mental health. So, I am kind to myself. Although I normally eat a really healthy, nutritious diet, at times like this, something is better than nothing. If that something is chocolate or chips, that’s OK. I bless whatever goes into my mouth, knowing that energetically it will support me as I need. Nourishment of course also comes from other sources, for example, belief systems such as God, The Universe. Ensuring there is no toxic input in your life (people who are negative, putting the news on) also helps.

HIBERNATE

All this said, winter can be a time to slow down and conserve energy, just as some animals do. Giving yourself permission to rest more and prioritise self-care is all a piece of the puzzle.

HELPING OTHERS

Supporting others who are in difficult situations can help take us out of our sadness centre and may offer us perspective on where we really are at.

Ahhh … WELCOME SPRING

Winter blues are real – and challenging; But they are also temporary. Winter is a season, we know it will come to the end. Spring brings new growth, new life, warmth and longer days. It’s worth enduring winter to reach the promise and lightness of spring.

🌟 If you’d like to learn more, email Soo at highlandscentreforhealing@gmail.com 🌟

Non-judgemental, safe space

Our Equine Therapy provides a non-judgmental space where participants can work through their issues with the supportive presence of a trauma-trained somatic practitioner as well as the horses.  It’s the perfect complementary approach to more traditional therapy modalities.

Related articles:

The Many Benefits of Spiritual Retreats and Holistic Healing

Healing Power of Nature – Meaning

What Is Somatic Therapy? – Guide

How to Deal With Your Emotional Trauma Triggers

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