December 9, 2008 134 Comments

How the Seasonal Blues Work

Every year I get the blues from around Thanksgiving until January 2nd. It’s just as normal to me as saying “Hey, there’s a rainstorm outside.” It’s not really much more than something I contend with.

It’s nothing external, really. It’s a set of thoughts that trigger some kind of experience inside, that triggers some kind of overall feeling that I associate with this time of year. It just happens. I deal with it. And then the next year is here. Truth is, I need this feeling, every bit as much as I need other feelings.

Why? Because it makes me work harder. It makes me think deeper. It makes me try to be a better person. Everything about this time of year is as important to the person you think I am as the smiles and the good will and all the power and passion I bring to things.

Don’t ask me to cheer up. Don’t tell me all the great things going on in my life. Don’t ask me to snap out of it. It’s not for you to fix. No one. It’s just the weather in my head.

LOTS of people go through this in their own way. The only difference is that they don’t have 25,000 friends on Twitter, and they don’t have a passionate stage from which they broadcast everything every day. They usually just deal with it quietly and hope no one notices.

I love you and I love the world and I love what we all have going for us. I’m going to sail the fastest, most powerful pirate ship in the waters in 2009, and I’m going to help as many of you as possible to be captains of your own ships, too.

You’re all the best. I’m okay. Thank you.

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http://piratesofthepublicdomain.com Debra Conrad

Chris – You Pirate!
You are already sailing the fastest – most powerful Pirate Sailing ship. What you have done and do everyday for the rest of us is powerful stuff… Thank You.
Argghhh – from one of your mate’s…
Ana Lorena Hart

I simply adore you. I love your humanity. I wish every boy -and grown man, too- out there could find in you a role model. Embracing the full range of feelings and states of mind as they come is the most precious gift humans can give to themselves. Thank you for sharing your gift with everyone.
Ana.
Ana Lorena Hart

I simply adore you. I love your humanity. I wish every boy -and grown man, too- out there could find in you a role model. Embracing the full range of feelings and states of mind as they come is the most precious gift humans can give to themselves. Thank you for sharing your gift with everyone.
Ana.
http://www.writingroads.com/blog Julie Roads

I get the blues too…can’t even blame it on the seasons – they come and go. But I agree with you – it makes me stronger because I have to let myself feel it and then pull myself out…each time I do is a notch in my belt that let’s me know I can do it, that I have reserves, deep down energy that I can call on when I really need it.
http://www.writingroads.com/blog Julie Roads

I get the blues too…can’t even blame it on the seasons – they come and go. But I agree with you – it makes me stronger because I have to let myself feel it and then pull myself out…each time I do is a notch in my belt that let’s me know I can do it, that I have reserves, deep down energy that I can call on when I really need it.
http://www.HartmanInventory.com Cindy Hartman

I thought you were talking directly to me, but it appears you’ve hit a well-visited nerve on many of us. The ‘weather in my head’ is quite profound … I now have a descriptive name for these times. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.HartmanInventory.com Cindy Hartman

I thought you were talking directly to me, but it appears you’ve hit a well-visited nerve on many of us. The ‘weather in my head’ is quite profound … I now have a descriptive name for these times. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.business901.com Joseph T. Dager

I like the pic. Maybe when I am feeling that way I will change my website pic to depict that.

Keep captaining that pirate ship, you never know, one pirate went around the world and became a “Sir.” I will listen to you tomorrow on Duct Tape Marketing Broadcast.
http://www.business901.com Josep T. Dager

I like the pic. Maybe when I am feeling that way I will change my website pic to depict that.

Keep captaining that pirate ship, you never know, one pirate went around the world and became a “Sir.” I will listen to you tomorrow on Duct Tape Marketing Broadcast.
http://www.musingsforadarkenedroom.com Mike Wilton

Great post. I too have something that just kind of clicks each year around the same time. I have my moments where I snap out of it, but for the most part I’m like you and it just carries out until after the holiday season. Looking forward to 2009 and what you have to offer us readers. Keep up the great work!
http://www.musingsforadarkenedroom.com Mike Wilton

Great post. I too have something that just kind of clicks each year around the same time. I have my moments where I snap out of it, but for the most part I’m like you and it just carries out until after the holiday season. Looking forward to 2009 and what you have to offer us readers. Keep up the great work!
http://robgokee.com Rob Gokee

I think you’re right in that everyone gets them, but few talk about it. Ever since I’ve run my own business (as a composer), I get anxious and list obsessive around the middle of November, with a desire to cram everything I can in before Jan 1. This year I forced myself to stop and look at my productivity and income in 2008 vs 2007, and realized that I’d done more than I thought, and that I should go a little easier on myself. Thanks, Chris, for opening up about your “bad weather” online.
http://filmcomposeratlarge.com Rob Gokee

I think you’re right in that everyone gets them, but few talk about it. Ever since I’ve run my own business (as a composer), I get anxious and list obsessive around the middle of November, with a desire to cram everything I can in before Jan 1. This year I forced myself to stop and look at my productivity and income in 2008 vs 2007, and realized that I’d done more than I thought, and that I should go a little easier on myself. Thanks, Chris, for opening up about your “bad weather” online.
http://www.socialmediablogster.com Doug Firebaugh

Bummer- just lost both of my parents -this holiday season will be-well- a blue Christmas as Elvis says. We are with you Chris-great post and love the honesty.
http://www.socialmediablogster.com Doug Firebaugh

Bummer- just lost both of my parents -this holiday season will be-well- a blue Christmas as Elvis says. We are with you Chris-great post and love the honesty.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karen-talavera/#blogger_bio Karen Talavera

Thanks for the refreshing honesty. I had a hormone-induced bout of depression hit me unexpectedly in November. No big outward or emotional thing was wrong and I have a great life and all that – plus live in Florida (our sunshine is a natural anti-depressant). But I temporarily couldn’t feel happiness and joy. My body was running a program I couldn’t mentally control. What makes all the difference is awareness of that fact. When you have conscious awareness of what is occurring, as you do in your situation, you just let the blues run their course. And best of all, you see them for the opportunity they are to slow down, reflect, recharge and get in touch with the inside. I wish more people could be opportunistic about depression. Nothing is wasted.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karen-talavera/#blogger_bio Karen Talavera

Thanks for the refreshing honesty. I had a hormone-induced bout of depression hit me unexpectedly in November. No big outward or emotional thing was wrong and I have a great life and all that – plus live in Florida (our sunshine is a natural anti-depressant). But I temporarily couldn’t feel happiness and joy. My body was running a program I couldn’t mentally control. What makes all the difference is awareness of that fact. When you have conscious awareness of what is occurring, as you do in your situation, you just let the blues run their course. And best of all, you see them for the opportunity they are to slow down, reflect, recharge and get in touch with the inside. I wish more people could be opportunistic about depression. Nothing is wasted.
http://www.newmusicmonday.com Tim

Hope this time inspires you
http://www.newmusicmonday.com Tim

Hope this time inspires you
http://dailyblonde.blogspot.com The Daily Blonde

This is by far one of the best posts I’ve read all day. It’s real and honest…and I am so sick of reading posts that say, “I’m so fantastic, I just made a million dollars doing nothing.” In real life these people are delusional. I’m not going to tell you to snap out of it…sometimes it’s good to be in that funk for a bit. Been there, done that, will do it again!
http://dailyblonde.blogspot.com The Daily Blonde

This is by far one of the best posts I’ve read all day. It’s real and honest…and I am so sick of reading posts that say, “I’m so fantastic, I just made a million dollars doing nothing.” In real life these people are delusional. I’m not going to tell you to snap out of it…sometimes it’s good to be in that funk for a bit. Been there, done that, will do it again!
http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com Katy Spears

When this happens you just need to be able to feel it and get through it. Attempts to cheer you up can make you feel “un-heard”. One just seeks validation, the ability to just be, as you are, and to just sit with it. understood.
http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com Katy Spears

When this happens you just need to be able to feel it and get through it. Attempts to cheer you up can make you feel “un-heard”. One just seeks validation, the ability to just be, as you are, and to just sit with it. understood.
http://www.karinmanske.com Karin Manske

I am becoming a fan, fast :) Reading your post I feel encouraged to accept myself with moods, blues and all. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.karinmanske.com Karin Manske

I am becoming a fan, fast :) Reading your post I feel encouraged to accept myself with moods, blues and all. Thanks for sharing!
Pingback: Short hops: The seasonal blues and winter hibernation » Shawna R. B. Atteberry
http://www.malindarouthier.com Malinda

explains the mood swings…been in on what we used to call “cabin fever,” now officially S.A.D., for too many years. I want to go to Disney. Maybe that would help. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.malindarouthier.com Malinda

explains the mood swings…been in on what we used to call “cabin fever,” now officially S.A.D., for too many years. I want to go to Disney. Maybe that would help. Thanks for sharing.
http://kathyberman.com Kathy Berman

Dear Chris-You are such an amazing giver and you have helped me a number of times. As an ex-counselor (there really is no such thing) and knowing full well you said no advice, my advice to you is to check out S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder). My father suffered needlessly for years and he would call me from W.Va. every year with all the symptoms. Until I read your post, I never realized he was enjoying it. Sometimes it does feel good to feel bad. Thanks again, Kathy at Kathy Berman.
http://kathyberman.com Kathy Berman

Dear Chris-You are such an amazing giver and you have helped me a number of times. As an ex-counselor (there really is no such thing) and knowing full well you said no advice, my advice to you is to check out S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder). My father suffered needlessly for years and he would call me from W.Va. every year with all the symptoms. Until I read your post, I never realized he was enjoying it. Sometimes it does feel good to feel bad. Thanks again, Kathy at Kathy Berman.
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kvpkrishna

# Despair and hopelessness
# Little motivation to complete even simple tasks
# Low self-esteem and self-confidence
# Low energy levels, tired and run-down
# Trouble falling asleep, nightmares, waking and can't fall back asleep
# Daily life is severely affected
# Loss of appetite
# Loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities
# Symptoms last longer than two months
* Changes in sleep habits such as insomnia, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much.
* Changes in eating habits such as loss of appetite or weight gain.
* Decreased energy, feeling of fatigue.
* Restlessness and irritability.
* Difficulty in concentration, remembering, and making decisions.
* Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt or worthlessness.
* Persistent sad, anxious, or empty feelings.
* Loss of interest in pleasurable activities, such as involvement with loved ones or hobbies.
* Thoughts of death or suicide.
kvpkrishna

# Despair and hopelessness
# Little motivation to complete even simple tasks
# Low self-esteem and self-confidence
# Low energy levels, tired and run-down
# Trouble falling asleep, nightmares, waking and can't fall back asleep
# Daily life is severely affected
# Loss of appetite
# Loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities
# Symptoms last longer than two months
* Changes in sleep habits such as insomnia, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much.
* Changes in eating habits such as loss of appetite or weight gain.
* Decreased energy, feeling of fatigue.
* Restlessness and irritability.
* Difficulty in concentration, remembering, and making decisions.
* Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt or worthlessness.
* Persistent sad, anxious, or empty feelings.
* Loss of interest in pleasurable activities, such as involvement with loved ones or hobbies.
* Thoughts of death or suicide.
http://www.yuregininsesi.com sesli chat

I find that as long as I stay out of the stores, I'm ok. Of course that doesn't help our struggling economy much I know, but there are lots of online venues these days. I was in Target yesterday and it just really really depressed me. All that stuff screaming BUY ME BUY ME!!!! I just know myself now and I know what triggers me. Remember it's cyclical like you said. “This too shall pass.” Love you Chris!

How the Seasonal Blues Work

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