We are hurting in the Midwest. There is a surge of COVID-19 cases and now that the days are shorter and darker, we are living in an environment that can threaten both our physical and mental health. I don’t know about you, but not seeing the sun has a tremendous impact on my mind, body, and spirit. We are entering a season that, while intended to be joyous, has the potential to be difficult for some.
COVID aside, the fall and winter months can stir up a lot of emotions. With the stress of the holidays, the weather less favorable, and the restrictions of social gatherings, you may find yourself anxious, apprehensive, agitated, rundown, or even despondent. Add a widespread virus to that mix and it becomes a breeding ground for depression and anxiety.
Some of you may be familiar with SAD (seasonal affective disorder) while others may be more acquainted with the winter blues. SAD requires a clinical diagnosis for a specific type of depression while the winter blues are a mild and temporary case of feeling down in the dumps. According to the Mayo Clinic, SAD is a type of depression that is correlated with seasonal changes, more often in the throws of fall and winter months. Although we expect the autumn air and the frigid cold each year, we most definitely did not expect a global pandemic which threw all of us for a loop.
I encourage you to check in with yourself and loved ones during this unprecedented time because right now, we are all struggling. Some a little more than others, but know that there is no shame in seeking support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with any negative thoughts or feelings, please consult your care providers or you can call one of the hotlines below:
The NAMI Information HelpLine
Phone: 800-950-6364
Email: info@nami.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM-6 PM (EST)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline & Emergency Assistance
Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) OR dial 911
Available 24/7
Did I forget to mention most of you reading this are probably also coping with myasthenia gravis or know someone that is? That’s a lot to handle for one person. We are all aware that stress can exacerbate MG symptoms, another indication that physical and mental health go hand in hand. Think about a positive correlation on a graph: When "x" such as stress increases, the 'y' such as MG symptoms tend to increase. While this is a fairly simple concept, life can get in the way and I know I still struggle to balance the two. So, when people ask me how I’m doing, I recite a quote imprinted on one of my favorite shirts and say, “I’m doing the best I can."
As I mentioned before, we all need each other right now but we must be creative in how that looks. The MGA will be hosting a virtual support group on Thursday, December 3rd from 6:30-8:00 PM as well as an in-person, socially distanced meeting in St. Louis on Saturday, December 5th from 10:00-11:30 AM for a presentation on the winter blues. To RSVP, please contact Tanya via email or phone to indicate which session you will be attending.
We all thought 2020 was going to be “our year.” A new decade, a blank slate, a chance to make a change. We’ve definitely made some changes alright, but I do not necessarily think the majority of them have been what we all desired. The irony is that we all need each other right now, but we must physically distance ourselves from people. Do your best to manage your MG effectively, maintain relationships in a way that is healthy for you, do things that bring you joy and are safe, and most importantly, just do the best you can.
*This blog post is not a substitute for medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek immediate assistance.
This blog post was written by Meridith O’Connor, St. Louis Program Coordinator of Myasthenia Gravis Association.