Tag: SAD

The Darkest Days

Posted on by Staci Mauney

For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help (Ps 22:24).

In Oklahoma, we usually have a deep cold snap about this time of year. It was right on time this year, and it’s so deep and long it’s breaking records. In fact, we’re still in the middle of it. As someone who suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), I’m worn out by time February comes along. January drags, but the dreary, gray days of February take their toll as winter tightens its grip before finally giving way to spring.

During cold, dismal February, grief feels like it’s compounded. Not only are we dealing with a stretch of eleven days without sunshine (or maybe thirteen—but who’s counting?), but we’re also still dealing with the impact of the global pandemic. Continue reading “The Darkest Days” →

Focusing on Health in 2019

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31

As I look back over 2018, I’m repeatedly drawn to my health goals. My goal was simply to be healthier. It was a pretty broad goal, to be sure, and I realize now that I wasn’t specific enough in how I wanted to reach that goal. Many of the health problems I experienced in 2018 could have been prevented. Some were caused by pushing myself too hard. I worked even when I was sick, rarely taking a day off, which leads to more illness and potential burnout. I also struggled with seasonal depression more than usual, so this year, I’m taking steps to combat that issue. You can read all about it here in my recent blog post. Continue reading “Focusing on Health in 2019” →

Surviving the Dreary Days of Winter

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” (Ps 27:1)

Now that we’ve settled into January, you may notice you’ve been feeling a little down. The January blues is a real mood disorder that can be brought about by many things such as taking the holiday decorations down, going back to work after extended time off, or spending too much money during the holidays. It’s situational, and that’s what makes it different from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is due to lack of sunlight. The January blues usually last for a few weeks, while SAD can last for months, and for some people, the two mood disorders can coincide.

Knowing that I suffer from SAD, I’m preparing for the long, dark days ahead. The week after Christmas was a dreary one here in Oklahoma, and I noticed symptoms of SAD, including irritability and forgetfulness, setting in quickly. Continue reading “Surviving the Dreary Days of Winter” →