Welcome to our weekly advice column, courtesy of Grace: She’s the big sister who shares her own mistakes so you can avoid making them, the coworker who builds you up to ask for the raise you deserve, and the friend who is always happy to listen.
We all need someone like Grace in our corner. Submit your own questions here.
Dear Grace,
I get depressed during the winter months. How can I motivate myself to stay more positive and upbeat?
— Nervous That It Will Get Bad Soon in Two Rivers
Dear Nervous,
For some folks, the shorter days and colder weather are a welcome opportunity to cook soup, cuddle up with a good book, or break out a new knitting project. But for some folks, winter can bring holiday grief, or even Seasonal Affective Disorder (or S.A.D.). I’m not a doctor, but if you get depression during the winter months, you should talk to a mental health professional about Seasonal Affective Disorder. When there’s less daylight, our body chemistry changes too. If you’re struggling with something more serious than the winter blues, you’re not alone.
Let’s talk about how to get you some mental health support and bring more joy into this season…
