Dealing With the Winter Blahs

ONE sociologist I read maintained that the long Nordic winters contributed to the violent behavior of the Vikings. They would huddle together in their communal homes for weeks—maybe months—sitting around the fire staring at the same person sitting on the other side of the fire. It almost seems understandable that sooner or later someone would snap; grab an axe and say, "Let's go pillage something!"

I think we've all felt the stress from this winter season. The days have been shorter; the cold weather has shocked us out of our outside activities and forecasts that seem to change by the minute have left us unsure about how to plan any activities. Personally I've been wondering if it would help to just blindfold all the groundhogs before February 2nd—that way they can't see their shadows!

And what better name could they give to the winter blahs than SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder? As if we don't need another reminder of what we're going through and how we're feeling! I suppose it would be too much to expect them to call it WHIMSY: Winter Has Interfered with My Summer Disposition.

(Yes, I know "Disposition" doesn't begin with a "Y", but YOU try being creative in the funk I'm in!)

We need to remind ourselves that we're not alone. In fact one person who is identified as one of the greatest worship leaders of Israel occasionally suffered from depression. In Psalm 40 we find King David in a slimy pit—trapped in the muck. But there in that dark place David still trusted God. He says he "waited patiently for the Lord" and the result was that God lifted him out of the pit and firmed up his faith.

But what do you do while you're waiting? Therapists give us some great advice for coping with our emotions in this weather:

Spend as much time outside as possible. Take advantage of every little warm up. Let plenty of light into your house (especially early in the morning).
Set goals for your day-what you're going to accomplish. Reward yourself for your successes.
Use this season to give yourself over to some non-weather-related activities. Read a book, or several books (or an exceptionally Good Book).
Fill your day with uplifting music-praise hymns and choruses—just like David did!
Find someone to talk things through with you. Remember, you're not alone.

David comes out on the other side of his pit with something new. He says in verse three, "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God." Every situation is an opportunity to grow and gain something new from God-even depression. Hold on, hold together, and hold to Him.

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