Personally, winter is not a good time for me.

I battle depression and anxiety year round, but the winter months (from about end of December to end of March) my depression gets work. It's almost like seasonal depression is added on top of my usual depression. Whether it's the cold weather or limited sunlight, something about winter makes it insufferable for me. It's the part of the year where I am at my worst. This year I'm not letting that happen though. So, I've made a little letter to my extra winter depression.

Dear Winter Depression,

In the past, I've let you win. I stayed in bed when you wanted me to. I've stayed inside, instead of hanging out with friends because you made me feel like I had to. I became reclusive and detached from my own life.

Well, not this year.

I'm not going to let you control me this winter. I've come up with a strategy to allow me to be able to live my life, even on the worst days you bring me.

I've picked out some books that'll I'm going to be reading. Some are self-help books and others are just fun books to distract me when I need it. I will make time to read. It'll make me feel accomplished even when you want me to stay chained to my bed.

I've prepared a few hobbies that I can do inside since being outside during this time makes things worse. Yoga and meditation are two things I want to focus on. Also, I've set up a daily mood tracker on my computer and a journal, so that I can track my feelings and be able to vent.

I'll make an effort to hang out with friends, so I don't trap myself in my dorm with you all season.

I'm going to use this season to better myself and grow as a person, which doesn't include you being around. I know there will be days you win the battle, but I will ultimately win the war.

Sincerely,

Your past victim