The Darkest Night

Since daylight savings time ended on November 4, I have felt the effect of the shorter days. I leave the house shortly after dawn, and when I drive home, it is dusk. My body has craved hibernation for the last month, which has been especially rough. I find myself so tired, that many nights I am in bed at 7:00 p.m. And then, it is torture to try to pull myself out of bed in the morning.

Having lived in Missouri my entire life, and having felt a seasonal component to my cycles of depression, I have often wondered if I would have lived a happier and more productive life had I grown up in Texas? But, I stay here, and battle through my winter misery year after year.

I have learned from experience that the darkness does eventually pass, and the sun returns. Eventually, the urge to sleep constantly disappears and I feel energetic and lively once again.

This winter, I have been faithfully taking my medications, so I have at least not suffered the unbearable depression. But, I still suffer from the physical exhaustion. I saw my family doctor yesterday, as well as my psychiatrist. "How are you doing?" "Well, good for the most part, except I want to sleep 12 hours a day and even if I do I still feel unrested." My family doctor ordered some blood work just to make sure nothing else is going on, and my psych doctor has adjusted my dosages of my medications.

So many people with depression just seem to limp through December. Everyone else is full of holiday cheer and joy, but the SAD sufferers would rather crawl in a cave and hide for a couple of months. But, in this darkness, there is a glimmer of hope. Don't lose hope! Sunnier days are just around the corner. But even brighter than the sun, is the Son who came to be the Christ. His light filled a world of darkness!

When we feel like the darkness will overcome us, turn to the Light. Turn to God and pray for perseverance. God will carry us through the long, dark nights.

May God's light shine brightly in your life!