Seasonal Affective Disorder — or S.A.D. — got me once again.

The Dark Cloud.

In my early teens I began to notice that my moods would drastically change when the days began to get short. I’d struggle to get out of bed and would lay there all day watching tv or reading to escape. It felt as though a storm was looming overhead but I never knew when it would strike.

20 Years Later.

It’s been 20 years since my seasonal depression began but each year it hits me like a ton of bricks. For the last week, I called out of work because I was no longer able to muster up the energy to work. I stayed in bed for days, mindlessly scrolling social media. I was lethargic, I hadn’t showered in days and I had no idea how I was going to get myself out of this funk that I was in.

Fall Back.

I had my bi-weekly call with my therapist and she said it sounded like my depression was getting worse. She reminded me that tonight was daylight savings which meant soon we would be turning our clocks back. That’s when I realized what was going on. Year after year I have struggled with seasonal depression and each year I’m still so surprised by it.

Finding My Way Out.

After my call with my therapist, I knew what I needed to do. I’ve experienced…