October 2024

Written By Gretchen Murchison

🐰🐰 “I don’t feel like myself”:                                           

Understanding Depression, Burnout, Stress, and Seasonal Affective Disorder 

The sun himself is weak when (s)he first rises and gathers strength and courage as the day gets on. - Charles Dickens

The only constant is change...

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Many people experience emotional or mental health challenges but aren't sure what they're dealing with—whether it's depression, burnout, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or stress. While these conditions may share some symptoms, understanding their differences can help you manage them more effectively. Let’s break them down and explore some approachable self-care strategies.

Depression is a clinical mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, changes in sleep or appetite, and feelings of hopelessness. Depression often lasts for weeks or months and isn't something that can be fixed simply by "pushing through." On the other hand, burnout stems from chronic workplace or life-related stress. It tends to make you feel emotionally exhausted, detached, and unproductive. Burnout doesn't involve the same profound hopelessness seen in depression but can feel like you're stuck on autopilot with no energy left.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression related to seasonal changes, most commonly occurring during the fall and winter months. It’s triggered by reduced sunlight, which can disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to low energy, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. SAD shares some overlap with depression but typically follows a seasonal pattern. Stress, by contrast, is your body’s response to pressure. It's a temporary state of feeling overwhelmed, whether due to work deadlines, personal responsibilities, or life transitions. Stress isn't necessarily bad in small doses, but chronic stress can lead to anxiety, irritability, and physical symptoms like headaches or tension.

To manage these conditions, self-care is key. If you're feeling burned out or stressed, setting boundaries at work, taking regular breaks, and practicing mindfulness or meditation can help. For depression or SAD, it's important to prioritize sleep, nourish your body with healthy foods, and get moving—even if it’s just a short walk outside. Light therapy can be especially helpful for SAD. Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of connection; reaching out to a friend, family member, or therapist can make a world of difference. Remember, no matter which of these you’re facing, you don’t have to do it alone—seeking support is a form of self-care too.

Unique & special October holidays:  

Some of my favorites:

Red October: Phillies Post-Season Baseball! Go Phils (and Go Tigers!)

October 1 Rosh Hashanah: Wishing you a sweet and happy new year!

October 10 World Mental Health Day

I'm grateful to know you and I thank you for letting me be a part of your journey.  Please let me know if there is anything more I can be doing to support you.

If you are going through hell, keep going. - Winston Churchill

Some housekeeping items:

  • Elections: 

        • Vote! Your vote and your voice matter!

  • Crisis Numbers:   

I recommend adding these to your contacts in your phone. If you don't need them, you might be able to share them with someone who does.

Credits:

  • (http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/October.htm)

Gretchen Murchison
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September 2024