The winter months can take a toll on people’s emotions, even without a worldwide pandemic casting a frightening shadow. For some, winter blues or the more serious seasonal affective disorder will only compound feelings of anxiety and stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, a seemingly scattershot rollout of too-few vaccinations is adding frustration to the mix.
Techniques that have kept people grounded through all sorts of traumas can be used to cope with the pandemic winter. The Serenity Prayer reminds us that we cannot control everything. Take action when you can, and be patient when you cannot. The key is taking life a day, an hour, a minute at a time.
If frustration is overwhelming you, take a break to calm your mind so you can think through the best way to move forward. Go ahead and vent for a few minutes, but don’t get stuck in negativity. You may need to change your expectations. With regard to COVID-19 vaccines, patience may be the best course of action, but keep an eye out for opportunities to be inoculated. Here is Planet Princeton’s crowdsourced vaccination site, where volunteers update information about New Jersey’s vaccination sites. Until vaccinations are widespread and public health safety measures are changed, continue to wear a mask, keep a distance from others, avoid indoor gatherings and wash your hands frequently.
If you have SAD, a seasonal form of depression, you may need to seek treatment including light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and/or antidepressants. If you feel you need professional help, contact NewBridge Services at 973-316-9333, services@newbridge.org or visit newbridge.org.
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