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It is currently Fall in Southern California and Winter is approaching quickly.

The weather has gone from excruciating heat to cold and windy.  At first the change in season was welcomed, now I am not so sure.

The past few weeks I have been experiencing sadness and a bit of depression.  

I attributed it to life’s ups and downs.  With the current events happening around the world, plus my own personal challenges, it is easy to feel slightly depressed.

However, I noticed this feeling was a yearly pattern that occurred during the fall to winter months.  In the beginning, I thought it was the holidays or end of the year blues, or, maybe I wasn’t doing Christmas right.  I would watch a Hallmark movie thinking nobody really celebrates the holidays like that.

What I didn’t realize was how much the change of the seasons makes an impact on how we walk through life.  Could that be the reason why I feel like crawling into bed and throwing the covers over my head?

I decided to do some research and discovered Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

The exact cause of SAD is not known, but it is thought to be related to chemical changes in our bodies due to sunlight exposure. The change of seasons meant shorter days.  The amount of exposure we have to the sun affects the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythms) and disrupts the balance of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and melatonin.

Therefore, with less exposure to sunlight, and more to darkness, our body begins to produce more melatonin, resulting in feelings of lethargy.

Here are some of the symptoms of SAD:

1. Difficulty concentrating
2. Fatigue or low energy
3. Increased sleeping
4. Weight gain
5. Feelings of sadness or hopelessness

Yup, I am suffering from all of the above.  If you are noticing a change in your mood and overall physical and mental health during this time of the year, it is something to think about.

SAD increases with age and is rarely seen in people under the age of 20.  Women are often affected more than men.

 

Below are some lifestyle changes we can do to help relieve the symptoms:

1. Let the sunshine in.  Open the blinds and curtains in your house, and avoid the cave life. Vitamin D increases serotonin which is vital for mental health.  Therefore, go for a walk, run errands, and spend time outside while the sun is out.
2. Exercise regularly, stretch, or workout. It doesn’t have to be grueling.  Just 10 minutes will help elevate your mood, get your heart pumping and warm you up.
3. Set realistic goals and try not to take on too much.
4. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
5. Stay away from alcohol and drugs.
6. Use crystals to help uplift your energy and vibration.
7. Get professional help.

Three crystals that will help with SAD and how to work with them.

1. Citrine’s warm and positive energy may offer a glimmer of relief for those navigating the winter blues. A stone of the sun, Citrine is a powerful cleanser and regenerator. It helps energize every level of life.
2. Sunstone is another stone connected to the sun’s energies. It cleanses the chakras, bringing joy and acting as an antidepressant.
3. Lepidolite has a lithium content that contributes to its potential mood-balancing effects and ability to alleviate depression.

How to work with your crystals:

Spend a few minutes a day holding your sun crystals and absorb their bright sunny energy.  Take them with you to help keep your vibration positive and to keep yourself mindful of their energy.  Meditate with them.  Or, lay back and place the Citrine and Sunstone crystals on your solar plexus chakra to promote feelings of joy, happiness and well-being.

Therefore, understanding how the change of seasons can have an effect on us helped shed light on my depression.

Certainly, knowing what is to come as the days get shorter, gives me a chance to prepare myself and implement changes to my lifestyle. Carrying sunny crystals in my pocket for their bright energy gives me that little mental boost.  Soon after writing this blog, I went for an afternoon walk and enjoyed the sunlight.  I am actually feeling better now.

Remember, the use of crystals is based on personal beliefs and experiences, and it’s essential to approach them with an open mind. While crystals can be a part of a holistic approach to well-being, they should not replace professional medical advice or treatment.

If you’re dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder or any mental health condition, you may want to consider consulting with a healthcare professional for guidance and appropriate treatments.