It's the Weather

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by: Briseida Ortiz

11/13/2024

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Autumn is Here!

Yesterday, I got home and suddenly a heaviness surrounded me. I had just had a great day nothing bad happened, I just got blue. I didn't understand why until I remembered, Autumn is here. 

It’s November 2024 as I pen this blog post, and Fall is in full swing! The trees are alive with vibrant colors of fading leaves, cascading down like a gentle rain and blanketing the ground in delightful, crunchy piles! What’s not to love? This time of year is truly stunning in the Northeast and Midwest of the USA. However, while these autumn colors bring cozy smiles, the gray clouds looming above can dampen the spirits of many.

As we adapt to the shifting weather and darker days, it’s common for our mood and mindset to be affected. I want to remind you not to settle into the Autumn blues. That heaviness you may be feeling is likely a result of the changes in the atmosphere. I did a bit of research to help us identify if we are SAD due to spiritual things or SAD due to the Autumn-blues. 

Recognizing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

One potential explanation for the autumn blues is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually in the fall and winter. Understanding the symptoms of SAD can help determine if the blues are weather-related:

  • Low energy levels and persistent fatigue
  • Changes in sleep patterns, such as oversleeping or difficulty waking up
  • Weight gain due to increased cravings for carbohydrates
  • Difficulty concentrating and decreased motivation
  • Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

It's a little taboo in Church-land to talk about depression that might need to be treated medically. I personally have mixed feelings about it. But It's only wise for me to recommend seeing a doctor if exploring the spiritual causes doesn't help. If these symptoms are present and consistent, it may be worthwhile to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment options. 

Exploring Spiritual Causes

On the other hand, the heaviness of heart could be a sign of deeper spiritual concerns. Here are some ways to explore whether the cause is spiritual:

  • Self-reflection and prayer: Spend time in prayer or meditation, asking for clarity and understanding of your feelings. Seek guidance from spiritual texts or a trusted spiritual advisor.
  • Engagement in spiritual community: Attend services, join a study group, or participate in community events to connect with others who may offer support and encouragement.
  • Journaling: Write about your feelings and experiences. This can help identify patterns or triggers that may point to spiritual unrest.
  • Have a Gratitude Session: Being thankful can be a super effective way to have another thought and overcome. Take a moment to speak out or write down 5 things you are thankful for. I found that doing this helps me to see  that sometimes, nothing is wrong. A little introspection can help me see that in reality I don't really have a reason to be sad. If you really don't have anyything to feel badly about, then you can guess that these blues are likely due to the weather.

Distinguishing Between Physical and Spiritual

While both SAD and spiritual concerns can cause similar feelings of melancholy, there are some ways to differentiate between the two:

  • Duration and context: If the blues coincide with the change of seasons and improve with exposure to sunlight or light therapy, it may be more likely related to SAD. If the feelings persist despite changes in weather, it could indicate a spiritual issue.
  • Inner peace and fulfillment: Consider whether your spiritual practices provide a sense of peace and fulfillment. If not, this may suggest a need for spiritual exploration or growth.
  • Professional guidance: Both mental health professionals and spiritual leaders can offer valuable insights and support. Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you're unsure of the cause.

Seeking Balance and Wellness

Whether the blues are due to seasonal changes or spiritual causes, it's important to care for both your mental and spiritual well-being. Here are a few tips to maintain balance:

  • Stay active: Regular physical activity can boost mood and energy levels.
  • Embrace the season: Find joy in autumn activities, such as hiking, apple picking, or enjoying the beauty of fall. Get outside and breathe! 
  • Nurture your spirit: Regularly engage in practices that nourish your soul, such as prayer, meditation, or creative expression.

By taking a holistic approach, you can navigate the autumn blues with greater understanding and resilience.

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Autumn is Here!

Yesterday, I got home and suddenly a heaviness surrounded me. I had just had a great day nothing bad happened, I just got blue. I didn't understand why until I remembered, Autumn is here. 

It’s November 2024 as I pen this blog post, and Fall is in full swing! The trees are alive with vibrant colors of fading leaves, cascading down like a gentle rain and blanketing the ground in delightful, crunchy piles! What’s not to love? This time of year is truly stunning in the Northeast and Midwest of the USA. However, while these autumn colors bring cozy smiles, the gray clouds looming above can dampen the spirits of many.

As we adapt to the shifting weather and darker days, it’s common for our mood and mindset to be affected. I want to remind you not to settle into the Autumn blues. That heaviness you may be feeling is likely a result of the changes in the atmosphere. I did a bit of research to help us identify if we are SAD due to spiritual things or SAD due to the Autumn-blues. 

Recognizing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

One potential explanation for the autumn blues is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually in the fall and winter. Understanding the symptoms of SAD can help determine if the blues are weather-related:

  • Low energy levels and persistent fatigue
  • Changes in sleep patterns, such as oversleeping or difficulty waking up
  • Weight gain due to increased cravings for carbohydrates
  • Difficulty concentrating and decreased motivation
  • Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

It's a little taboo in Church-land to talk about depression that might need to be treated medically. I personally have mixed feelings about it. But It's only wise for me to recommend seeing a doctor if exploring the spiritual causes doesn't help. If these symptoms are present and consistent, it may be worthwhile to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment options. 

Exploring Spiritual Causes

On the other hand, the heaviness of heart could be a sign of deeper spiritual concerns. Here are some ways to explore whether the cause is spiritual:

  • Self-reflection and prayer: Spend time in prayer or meditation, asking for clarity and understanding of your feelings. Seek guidance from spiritual texts or a trusted spiritual advisor.
  • Engagement in spiritual community: Attend services, join a study group, or participate in community events to connect with others who may offer support and encouragement.
  • Journaling: Write about your feelings and experiences. This can help identify patterns or triggers that may point to spiritual unrest.
  • Have a Gratitude Session: Being thankful can be a super effective way to have another thought and overcome. Take a moment to speak out or write down 5 things you are thankful for. I found that doing this helps me to see  that sometimes, nothing is wrong. A little introspection can help me see that in reality I don't really have a reason to be sad. If you really don't have anyything to feel badly about, then you can guess that these blues are likely due to the weather.

Distinguishing Between Physical and Spiritual

While both SAD and spiritual concerns can cause similar feelings of melancholy, there are some ways to differentiate between the two:

  • Duration and context: If the blues coincide with the change of seasons and improve with exposure to sunlight or light therapy, it may be more likely related to SAD. If the feelings persist despite changes in weather, it could indicate a spiritual issue.
  • Inner peace and fulfillment: Consider whether your spiritual practices provide a sense of peace and fulfillment. If not, this may suggest a need for spiritual exploration or growth.
  • Professional guidance: Both mental health professionals and spiritual leaders can offer valuable insights and support. Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you're unsure of the cause.

Seeking Balance and Wellness

Whether the blues are due to seasonal changes or spiritual causes, it's important to care for both your mental and spiritual well-being. Here are a few tips to maintain balance:

  • Stay active: Regular physical activity can boost mood and energy levels.
  • Embrace the season: Find joy in autumn activities, such as hiking, apple picking, or enjoying the beauty of fall. Get outside and breathe! 
  • Nurture your spirit: Regularly engage in practices that nourish your soul, such as prayer, meditation, or creative expression.

By taking a holistic approach, you can navigate the autumn blues with greater understanding and resilience.

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