In this Uno Reverse episode of Owning Pleasure as a Black Woman, I dive into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—also known as winter blues or winter depression.

As the time changes and daylight becomes scarce, many high-achieving Black women experience symptoms they may not even recognize as depression. I share my personal experience with SAD, explain how it shows up differently for Type-A personalities, and offer practical strategies to manage symptoms throughout the darker months.

If you've been feeling off as the seasons change, this episode will help you recognize what's happening and give you tools to navigate it with more ease.

• SAD is real and affects us differently: Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that occurs during specific times of the year (typically fall/winter). Symptoms include sadness, fatigue, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, and irritability.
• Depression doesn't look the same for everyone: For high-achieving Black women, SAD might manifest as overcompensation, overworking, boundary violations, and functional depression—where you appear fine on the outside but feel heavy inside.
• Practical tools can help: Light therapy, regular exercise (especially outdoors when possible), maintaining a healthy diet, mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga, and seeking professional support are all effective strategies for managing winter blues.

Want to dive deeper into related topics? Check out these accompanying blog posts:

• Mental Health Stigmas in the Black Community: Past and Present Barriers - Understanding the historical and cultural barriers that make it harder for us to seek help.
• Burnout Warning Signs: When Your Body Knows What Your Mind Won't Admit - Learn to recognize when your body is telling you something your mind doesn't want to accept.
• Rest Isn't a Reward for Hard Work—It's a Requirement for Survival - Understanding why rest is essential, especially during challenging seasons.
• Gentle Reminder: Your Worth Isn't Measured by Your Productivity - Breaking free from the productivity trap that often intensifies during SAD episodes.
• Self-Care Isn't a Luxury—It's a Lifestyle: Essential Mental Health Strategies for High-Achieving Professionals - Practical strategies for incorporating self-care year-round.

Ready to get inspired? Hit play to discover how to recognize and navigate seasonal affective disorder as a high-achieving Black woman who refuses to let the winter blues dim her light!

• 7-Day Self-Care Reset: Move from guilt about self-care to confidently prioritizing yourself. Get your free reset at javerywellness.com/reset.
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