Winter Blues

Dear SKMB Family,

For me, it’s not the cold or snow that makes winter a hard season to slog through, it’s the darkness. I truly look forward to winter solstice when the movement toward ever darker days pivots and we begin to see more daylight. When I speak with colleagues, they describe January to be the most difficult thirty-one days of the calendar. Some experience a sustained “funk,” others something that feels like depression, and then there are those who grapple with actual depression. My wife loves her daily light therapy and testifies that it genuinely changes her mood. I have found a daily treat beverage at Starbucks to do the trick.

The impact of long winter months is a real thing. Clinically it is referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and should be taken seriously. SAD impacts godly Christians as readily as others. We may live by the Gospel, but we can still grapple with SAD.

Responding positively to SAD:

• Ask the holy Spirit for help.
• Check online for the symptoms of SAD.
• Talk to your physician, counselor or pastor.
• Check out the resources your health plan offers in the way of support.
• Pastors, contact Phil for the additional counselling support SKMB offers.

Rev. Phil Gunther, SKMB Director of Ministry