According to Glenn, solutions for depression may be found by seeking medical help but also in a number of other areas.
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SAD is caused by lack of sunlight and physical activity. Other contributing factors can include hormonal imbalances, Vitamin D deficiency and neurotransmitters imbalance. Young and senior adults are often impacted more, worsening struggles with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and burnout during the winter season.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Glenn Mollette
It’s not difficult to become unmotivated in life. The death of a spouse, health debilitation, financial hardship and many more reasons can take the wind from our sails. About 18-20 percent of Americans routinely struggle with depression. In 2024, one in five Americans reported taking medication for depression. About 31 percent of women and 15.6 percent of men reported taking medication for depression.
Depression zaps us of our energy and drains us of our motivation. When we are depressed, it’s difficult to do homework, rake the leaves, perform well at work or often just get up from the sofa. Regardless of the cause, it’s not a fun or productive state of life.
This time of year, many people experience
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is also known as the winter blues. SAD is caused by lack of sunlight and cold temperatures.
Young and senior adults are impacted.
Young adults struggle with depression, anxiety and burnout. Too often there is a lack of purpose or direction. They face unrealistic expectations or pressure to succeed. Young adults struggle with social media comparison, boredom and lack of personal engagement. Poor physical health and fear of failing also are major contributors to depression and lack of motivation.
Seniors are impacted by aging, health decline, retirement or loss of purpose. Social isolation, loneliness, grief, chronic illness, medication side effects, cognitive decline and fear of death can, to some extent, plague all of us.
Solutions for depression may be found by seeking medical help but also in a number of other areas. Consider regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, prayer, meditation, yoga, deep breathing and more social involvement/connections. Spend time with loved ones, pursue hobbies and other creative activities.
Do what you can do. You may not be material for the NBA, NFL or PGA, but that’s okay. Find what you can do, which is not everything, or even a lot of things, but it is some things. Don’t worry about what you can’t do and do what you can do.
Do what you enjoy. Life is seldom a daily 24-hour party but there should be some fun along the way. Whatever it is, find some time to fit it into your schedule. It could be anything from playing cards, gardening, taking a walk or cooking. whatever it is, try to find a way to fit it in. It can be anything that will help you to cast off that heavy blue feeling that is draining the life out of you.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
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