When the Sun Goes Down: My Raw Truth About Seasonal Depression
- Mondchae's Business
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
When the days get shorter and the sun disappears earlier, something in me shifts — emotionally, mentally, and physically. This post is my raw truth about seasonal depression, what it feels like in my body and mind, and how I cope when the darkness feels heavier than usual.
The Subtle Shift: When the "Seasonal Depression Kitty" Moves In
It's that season again. It's cold outside, and there is not much to do but stay home. It gets darker sooner than usual, making it easier for you to go to bed earlier or just sleep the day away. It’s easier to sit at home and contemplate the life you dream of and the mistakes you’ve made.
It’s easier to get sucked into the loner lifestyle rather than surround yourself with greatness. The seasonal depression kitty just sucks you in until the time change hits—or until you get the guts to kick her out.
The Agenda of The Quiet Depression
Before you understood what was happening-before you were old enough to understand the different names for this annoying feeling of sadness, you assumed you were just tired. It always comes quietly but with an agenda. Everyone notices the change but no one understands the change.
The Spiral: From Social Retreat to the "Messy House"
You lose interest in speaking or hanging out with people. You lose interest in cleaning while being terrified of the outcome of a cluttered home (well, at least I am). You get caught up in pretending like you want to make all these fun plans, but when the time comes, you sink into your couch and don’t answer the phone.
Fighting the Identity Crisis
Don’t get me started on how your mind starts acting as if you were never a great person with a great personality. Of course, things like endless scrolling or binge-watching Netflix don’t help. Oh babes, did the isolation lead to you losing the friends who just don’t get it? Yeah, I know!
Changing The Vibe: Two Personal Ways I Whoop Depression’s Ass
Let's change the vibe around here stink. What we talk about now isn’t a cure. These are just two beginner tips I use personally to cope with winter depression. Of course, some of these you have heard and didn’t believe. But until you put them to use….. I think you know the rest.
1. Talk Smack to the Inner Voice
First, we are going to talk smack to that inner voice. Let's challenge the way we talk to ourselves. It is always important to allow yourself to feel. Think and process those emotions if you need. The key component, however, is to not get stuck with those words.
Challenge That Hoe: Once you have a negative thought, challenge it. Tell yourself the opposite.
The Sibling Method: Talk to yourself as if you are talking to your younger niece, nephew, or sibling when giving them words of encouragement.
Say It Out Loud: Don’t challenge your thoughts in your head. It’s important for you to say it out loud. For example: “Kiesha, you are so loved and you have friends and family that would love to be in your presence.”
2. Accept the Lows but Spontaneously Flip The Script On Depression
Recognize when you are having a heavy day. Allow yourself to be sad or stay home without negative self-talk. The key to this is to romanticize the bad day and challenge that mother freaking day when you can (you thought I was going to cuss? me to lol). Give yourself a few hours to do things that you prefer to do on low days. Watch two episodes of your binge-worthy show. Give yourself time to cry or isolate. But next is when the challenge hits.
Interrupt the Routine: After a few hours or days, get up. Do anything! Listen to your favorite song for three minutes, call your sister and get on her nerves on purpose (I sure would!), go for a drive, or—one of my favorites—dance it out!
Consistency Over Perfection
Keep in mind, some days are just days you remain in bed and other days are productive. BOTH COUNT! However, If you change the routine just slightly, it will challenge the negative mental status your brain is used to accepting. Even if this doesn’t work the first time or the 50th time, remember: healing is more about acceptance, correction, and consistency rather than immediate perfection.
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