It is that time of the year. From the time the clocks change in early November to Christmas is one of the hardest times as the seasons change. The weather is becoming colder. The days become shorter. The perfect recipe is to feel down and out. Many people struggle with this, and I am no exception.

In past years it never really occurred to me as an issue, but as time has passed and I live more independently, it creeps up increasingly. Although I do not totally meet the diagnostic criteria for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it does have a significant effect on me to a degree that if I am not properly monitored, it can put me down and out into a funk for a bit.

The worst part of it is getting and staying out of that funk. Since being on my own, there is more of a desire to want to sleep and not do something constructive. Part of me knows that I need to do something to keep my mind focused on something to beat those seasonal blues, so I do not fall off the proper clock of routine and get out of sorts.

Many factors are needed to continue to stay out of the periods of being down and out including the outside temperature and whether the weather outside is bad or not. Just by having sunny skies can make all the difference in ensuring that my mood is well-regulated, and the mindset is positive. Part of that is my responsibility as well, ensuring that I am indeed taking initiative towards making a change for the better on my part for the positive.

Another thing that helps with the seasonal blues is keeping a schedule. There is nothing that an autistic person such as me likes to do but follow a schedule and have things as routine as they can. Being able to adhere to this schedule helps keep oneself busy as much as they can and not get off course by wanting to lie down and resort to unwanted sleeping.

It is important to get outside, when possible, each day. This may not always be possible in colder climates, but getting some sort of fresh air is important as to not be taken away from the indoor depressive of manufactured light. Natural lights are also supposed to be a good substitute for the days when you cannot get outside.

In the end, the wanting to combat the seasonal blues falls on you and whether you take the initiative to work at addressing the issue. If it is beyond your own personal scope to be addressed, then it is essential to seek professional help in this regard. I have smaller periods of time when it comes to battling the seasonal blues and if it extends beyond a certain time, then I know to seek the help of my treatment team. I wish you the best in this cold shoulder season.