A Guide To Overcoming Seasonal Depression

It’s the most miserable time of the year! But should it be? (Sung, of course, to the tune of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”)

Photo by Jason Blackeye on Unsplash

Before we can get started, it’s important to note: this article is based on my personal account of overcoming seasonal depression. As Tim Ferriss might say, “I’m not a doctor and I don’t play one on the internet.” What’s in this article may or may not work for you. Please do not take my words as biblical or universally true.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve experienced seasonal depression. Often called “SAD” (how fitting).

All winter long, I’d watch episodes of The O.C. and Laguna Beach to get a taste of what winter in a warm place might feel like. I’d go to bed at 7 pm actually thinking to myself, “the sooner I go to bed, the sooner spring comes.”

I’ve carried these behaviors into adulthood. Though The O.C. has turned to Madam Secretary. And Laguna Beach has turned to real documentaries.

Two and a half years ago, I moved to Los Angeles with the belief that I’d never to move back “here” (“here” being any place with a particularly miserable winter). My winters in Los Angeles have been glorious. The temperature never drops below 40 degrees and I can…