Why Seasonal Affective Disorder Can Take a Hike

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Dec. 4, 2016

I don’t have the luxury of being weighed down by the pesky cloud that is seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As a busy mom and worker, the holiday season is upon us, and hiding under the blankets is simply not an option. There are cookies to bake, carols to sing, and let’s not even get started on the hunt for creative elf outfits on Pinterest!

Once daylight savings time ends and the cold, dark days set in, I can feel the weight of sadness creeping in. Waking up to a sunless morning makes tackling the daily routine feel as impossible as teaching my stubborn 5-year-old to tie her shoes. Checking off my to-do list feels as disheartening as the news that Luke Perry graced the cover of AARP. And getting through the day? Well, that seems as likely as me ever fitting back into those designer jeans I saved from 1995.

But here’s the kicker: my children and the demands of life don’t care about my mood when it’s dreary outside. I still have to wake up, argue over breakfast choices with my kids, and chase them off to the bus, all while waving goodbye to their forgotten homework. I have to put on a brave face, even when I’d rather stay wrapped in a blanket binge-watching Gilmore Girls.

Here’s why seasonal affective disorder can take a hike:

1. I don’t have time to be down.
   This is the busiest time of year, and I’m already feeling the pressure. Between sending out holiday cards, baking cookies, and being Santa Claus, the last thing I need is to feel depressed while I’m trying to create a magical season.
2. I can’t be a grumpy mess all the time.
   I want my kids to remember their childhood with joy, not as the years spent with a frazzled mom who’s always on edge. I need to find a balance between my inner Roseanne Barr and June Cleaver—more nurturing, less chaotic.
3. Sunny days make me feel great!
   I can’t afford to only enjoy life when the sun is shining. Motherhood is a 24/7 job—rain or shine, I still have to make dinner and manage the chaos.
4. I want to protect my kids from this gloom too.
   I don’t want them to dread the short winter days like I do. I aim to model positivity rather than clutching my sunlamp like it’s a life raft.
5. I’m the glue that holds it all together.
   The glue can’t afford to take a break from managing homework, preparing treats for school parties, or remembering dentist appointments. I need to keep everything running smoothly.
6. Sadness isn’t my go-to emotion.
   I dislike feeling sad, and resisting it often makes the situation worse.
7. When I’m down, I tend to binge on snacks.
   And with holiday cookies around every corner, this is not a good combo. I can’t splurge on presents and a new winter wardrobe!

So, until there’s a miracle cure for this annoying seasonal affliction, I’ll trudge through the darker days. I’ll switch on my happy lamp, take my vitamin D, and pretend that helps. And if you spot me in my pajamas on a gloomy day, let’s just exchange a knowing smile that says, “I get it.”

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Summary:

Seasonal affective disorder can feel overwhelming, but as a busy mom, I refuse to let it take over my life. With the holiday season in full swing, I have too much on my plate to be weighed down by gloom. Balancing motherhood and the festive spirit means putting on a brave face and finding joy despite the dark winter days.