Every October, I sense the Lord doing something new in me. Perhaps it's the changing of seasons or the preparation for the hustle and bustle of upcoming holidays. The month in and of itself doesn't represent anything significant to me, but I can't help but think of the harvest.
Between the colorful mirage of trees and falling leaves outside my window, beauty is all around us. And yet, in a few short months, the trees will be naked, the air will be cold, and the season will be bleak. Both seasons play a role in our spring, summer, fall, and winter quartet, but if I had a choice, I'd live in the summer year-round.
Since I'm in Ohio, where the weather gets dreary and cold, there are three things I believe this season can teach us about harvesting hope. Meanwhile, because October is Mental Health Awareness Month, it's important to recognize that the changing seasons can affect our mental well-being. You're not crazy if you feel the weather dampens your spirit!
Here are some practical tips for nurturing your mental health during these transitional seasons:
Before I realized I had Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and mild depression, the changing of seasons brought immense sadness and isolation. As the days grew shorter and the sunlight seemed to evaporate, I didn't understand why I felt the way I was.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a condition that impacts roughly 5% (10 million people) of adults in the U.S. (APA). However, this number only includes those who have been diagnosed. I'm not one to self-diagnose or slap labels on other individuals, but I believe shorter days and less sunlight impact the mood and energy levels of nearly everyone.
Although we can't control the seasons or the weather, we can try getting outside as much as possible or implementing light therapy during these seasons. For me, I aim to take a walk for at least 20 minutes a day (even if it's cold) and use light indoors as much as possible. Your mood may shift; it's nearly inevitable. But there is hope. This season won't last forever, and there are practical tips that you can take (like these) to make a difference in the meantime.
Besides dealing with uncomfortable sadness or blues, the changing of seasons always stirs unpleasant emotions in my heart and mind. Maybe it's because I grew up in a chaotic home, or maybe it's because I don't take breaks like I should. Nevertheless, don't be surprised if the harvest season brings up more emotions for you than usual—remember, our emotions are a gift from God.
Again, this is relatively typical. Because of the lack of sunlight, individuals spend more and more time indoors. The more we're inside and away from our surroundings, the bigger our feelings, emotions, and circumstances seem to feel. Instead of judging yourself for being emotional or feeling all the feels, recognize that you might simply need some extra time for mindfulness and reflection.
Practical ways to implement this could be integrating Christian mindfulness, journaling daily, or setting goals. One thing I love to do is begin my day with Bible reading, prayer, and journaling. This enables me to write out my feelings and circumstances as prayers to the Lord and set goals for every day. Yes, I might still feel an array of emotions afterward, but I know that I've poured out my heart to the One who sees and hears me (Psalm 62:8).
Processing your emotions can also include talking with God and those you trust about how you're feeling. There is no shame in honestly articulating your emotions, and there never should be. Though God already knows your thoughts, He still desires to hear them. He loves you and cares about what you're experiencing (Psalm 139).
While it's common for those struggling with physical and mental illnesses to isolate in the fall and winter, don't isolate yourself. You were created for community, and believe it or not, you need it in every season. Reaching out to others during this time (even via a short text, Zoom, meet-up, or phone call) is one easy way to tend to yourself.
From the beginning of time, God created us for companionship (Genesis 2:18). We were never meant to do life alone, but Satan is good at deceiving us to believe otherwise. Instead of hanging your head low, locking yourself in your room, and shouting "bah-hum-bug!", try connecting with your community. Get involved in local community activities, participate in a running or walking group, look for mental health workshops, and strive to foster connection and support with those around you. People need you, and you need them.
Taking care of your mental health with the change of the seasons isn't just about self-care in the traditional ways but making connectivity a priority. It requires us to go outside the box, get some sunlight, and face how we're really feeling.
While these simple steps can take courage, practice, trial, and error, they can also provide opportunities for growth and healing, just like the change of the seasons. There is hope, friend—for you, for me, and for every individual fighting a physical or mental health challenge this October.
Mental Health Awareness doesn't mean the struggles will disappear simply because you're aware of them, but it does mean that you should feel loved and validated as you navigate them. This month, it's my prayer that you'll harvest hope in your life. No matter what circumstances you're facing, real, practical, and biblical help is available.
Prayer:
Dear God,
As autumn fades into winter, please help us prioritize and care for our mental and physical well-being. Tending to these needs isn't easy, Jesus, but through the power of the Holy Spirit living within us and the resources you've given us here on earth, remind us that hope is possible. Not only is hope possible, but it's a reality each of us can embrace.
Remind us amid our struggles that you see us, you love us, and you care. You desire us to care for ourselves not because self-care is selfish but because it's one of the highest forms of self-sacrificial love. This kind of love requires us to lay down the shame and the desire to have it all together and exchange it for your perfect and healing love. There is strength in saying we're not okay and pursuing tips like these to tend to our needs. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus! Amen.
How will you harvest hope this autumn? Consider exploring or sharing these tips with friends, and let me know if any of them work for you!
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Andrey Iudin