As a physician and a busy parent, I simply don’t have the luxury to let seasonal affective disorder (SAD) drag me down. With holiday festivities in full swing and the demands of family life, I can’t afford to retreat under the covers, no matter how tempting it may seem. From baking cookies to planning the perfect holiday outfits for the kids, the to-do list feels endless.
Once daylight saving time ends, those chilly, dark days can bring a sense of heaviness. Waking up to a dreary morning can make the simplest tasks feel as overwhelming as teaching a toddler to tie their shoes. Checking items off my list often feels as daunting as the realization that my favorite jeans from college may never fit again.
Unfortunately, the responsibilities of parenthood and everyday life won’t wait for me to feel better. I must rise, negotiate breakfast options with my kids, and chase after them as they run for the bus, homework forgotten in their haste. Even on days when I feel like curling up with a blanket and binge-watching my favorite shows, I have to push through.
Here are the reasons I refuse to let seasonal affective disorder take control:
- I Have Too Much on My Plate
The holiday season alone is enough to induce anxiety, with holiday cards, cookies, gifts for teachers, and the magical Santa routine. I don’t need the added burden of feeling down when all I want is to create a joyful atmosphere. - I Want to Be a Loving Parent
I don’t want my children to remember their childhood with a frazzled, irritable parent in the background. Striking a balance between being a calm, nurturing figure and a stressed-out parent is crucial. - I Thrive on Sunny Days
While I can’t rely solely on pleasant weather to dictate my mood, I still need to function every day, regardless of the clouds. The reality of being a parent is that the responsibilities keep coming, rain or shine. - I Want to Model Positivity for My Children
I wish to shield my children from the weight of my seasonal blues. I aim to demonstrate resilience and calmness rather than succumbing to the temptation of hiding away with my sunlamp. - I’m the Family’s Anchor
As the glue that holds everything together, I can’t afford to let my mental health falter. Homework checks, school treats, and dentist appointments need to be managed, regardless of how I feel. - Sadness Isn’t My Default Emotion
I actively resist feeling sad. But the more I fight it, the more entrenched it becomes, creating a cycle I desperately want to break. - Emotional Eating Is Real
When I’m feeling down, I find myself reaching for snacks, especially with holiday treats around. I certainly can’t afford to splurge on gifts and a new winter wardrobe on top of that.
Until a miracle remedy for seasonal affective disorder reveals itself, I’ll navigate these gloomy days with my happy lamp and vitamin D. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for sunshine. And if you spot me in my pajamas on a gray day, just know I’m right there with you, sharing a knowing smile.
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In summary, while seasonal affective disorder can be a challenge, I refuse to let it dictate my life, especially during the holiday season. I will continue to be the anchor for my family, pushing through the darker days with resilience and hope.