How to Combat the Winter Blues: A List of Mental Health Resources
Discussions about mental wellness have gained traction over the last few years, but unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health treatment, and the only way to change that is to normalize it. The best way to normalize it is to talk about it as openly as we would talk about any other health ailment: a broken arm, high blood pressure, diabetes. A medical condition is a medical condition, and there should be no judgement in discussing healing options. Period. If you find yourself struggling, here are some suggestions, ideas, and resources that might help you through the holidays and winter months when many find themselves weary for various and sundry reasons.
Feeling the effects of digital stress? If the sight of unwanted spam and subscription emails cluttering your inbox is making you feel overwhelmed or anxious, you can take deleting hundreds of useless emails off of your to-do list by simply downloading the Unroll Me app. This app streamlines the unsubscribing process, and with a few clicks, you can conquer the clutter of email overload.
Take up a new hobby to keep your mind occupied. Learn a new language, adopt journaling, or take a virtual class on Skillshare or MasterClass — they have all kinds of options for everything from photography to sculpting to graphic design.
If you find it difficult to actually articulate how you’re feeling at any given moment, we have just the app for you. The How We Feel app was designed to be used like an online journal that helps you identify, track, and manage your emotions. With the help of this app you can learn new coping mechanisms while also spotting patterns and tendencies that occur over time. This great self-care tool can help you better understand your state of mind and free up valuable headspace.
MENTL.SESH, founded by the wonderful Liz Beecroft, LCSW, is a great resource for companies looking to implement better mental health practices for employees. They have put together a team of experienced licensed mental health professionals, creatives, and marketing professionals to work with and train companies on how to develop mentally healthier workplace environments. If you are a business owner, having mental health protocols in place will help your workers feel safe and valued.
Exercise is key to mental wellness. A walk in the sunshine is a double dip against depression — get your endorphins rushing from the exercise and soak up some vitamin D from the sun.
One of the best ways to fight seasonal depression is by volunteering your time or donating your money for causes bigger than you. Use Charity Navigator to help you find the right fit. There are hundreds of thousands of opportunities for service available, and helping others oftentimes helps bring a sense of meaning and appreciation to life which can have stress-reducing effects. After all, one of the best remedies for sadness is kindness.
As tempting as it may be to isolate inside when it’s 0º out and dark by 4:00 in the afternoon, don’t hide from people. Seek out community as best as you can. Meet Up is a great resource for meeting people, making friends, finding support, and exploring common interests. Thousands of events happen every day both online and in person. It’s as simple as typing in your hobbies, interests, and neighborhood. Like to run, write, craft, or game? You name it, they have a group for you to join. And if you can't find exactly what you’re looking for, you can even start a new group.
Believe it or not, animal shelters tend to receive a large influx of fur babies after the holidays due to Christmas gifts becoming more of responsibilities than presents. Sad, but true. Consider fostering a pet to keep you company throughout the winter. These four legged friends love unconditionally and will always greet you with a wag and lick every time you walk through the door.
Plan special indoor activities to do with your friends, family, or partner. Whether it’s a weekly movie date or a cozy spa night where everyone brings their favorite skincare/body product, it’s important to put experiences on your calendar that will give you things to look forward to.
If there truly is no sunshine in your neck of the woods for days on in, you might consider investing in HappyLight. The National Institute of Health recommends 20-60 minutes of daily exposure to 10,000 lux of light.
Supplements are another great way to support your mental health. Taking vitamin D to help with lack of sun exposure or Equilibria CBD Daily Drops (use code CHINAE) for anxiety or sleep are a great way to take the edge off. Or, if you feel you need a little bit more help, Hims & Hers is a virtual medication service that delivers right to your door. And, if you aren't ready for supplements or medication, talk therapy is a great way to improve your mental health too. Tia is a great place to start.
