Hey tribe,

Let’s sit down and have a real conversation about something many of us face but don’t talk about nearly enough: anxiety, depression, and the heavy shadow of seasonal depression. This time of year hits different, right? The holidays are over, the days are shorter, the cold feels endless, and sometimes it’s like the weight of everything you’ve been pushing through finally catches up with you.

I’ve been there too many times friend. Some days, it feels like your past is sitting on your chest, suffocating any chance you have to move forward. Other days, it’s the future that’s looming, leaving you caught in a never-ending loop of “what ifs.” It’s extremely exhausting.

To Be Sad About the Past: Depression

Let’s talk about depression first, especially the kind that hits during the winter months. Depression is like carrying a bag full of bricks made of regret, pain, and loss. Each one is a memory, a moment, or a mistake from your past that you just can’t seem to put down. And as much as I hate to say it, sometimes it feels like that bag defines you doesn’t it?

Here’s the thing: your past has already happened. It’s done. It can’t reach out and harm you unless you let it. That ex who broke your heart? Gone. That job you didn’t get? It’s a lesson now. That version of you who made permanent choices on temporary feelings. They’re not even here anymore.

The past is like an old, worn-out jacket you’ve outgrown—it might be stylish and comfortable to hold onto, but it doesn’t fit you anymore. So, fuck the past. Seriously. Stop letting it define your present. You’re here, now, and you have the power to create something better.

To Worry About the Future: Anxiety

Now let’s flip the coin. Anxiety is the mental hamster wheel of worrying about what’s to come. It’s like standing at the edge of a cliff, staring into the fog, imagining all the ways you could fall—when in reality, the ground in front of you is solid.

The future is scary because it’s unknown, but that’s also what makes it exciting. Every “what if” you’re dreading is just a story your brain is writing. And guess what? You’re the editor of that story. You don’t have to let your anxiety turn the future into a Tubi horror novel. What if you chose to write a Zane love story instead?

Seasonal Depression: The Sneaky Villain

And then there’s seasonal depression, that sneaky little bitch that loves to tag along during the winter months. It amplifies everything—the sadness, the worry, the fatigue. The lack of sunlight literally messes with our brain chemistry, making it harder to feel joy or energy.

So, here’s a little reminder: you’re not failing. You’re not weak. Seasonal depression is a thing, and it’s okay to struggle. But it’s also okay to fight back. Open those curtains even when you don’t want to friend. Take a walk outside, even if it’s freezing. Lean on your people, even when your brain tells you to isolate.

The Present is Your Superpower

Here’s the truth friend: the past is behind you, and the future hasn’t happened yet. The only thing that’s real is this moment, right now. And in this moment, you have a choice.

You can choose to let go of what’s already gone. You can choose to trust yourself with what’s ahead. And you can choose to be present, even if it’s hard. Because the present is where the magic happens.

Take a deep breath with me. Inhale. Exhale. That’s life right there. One breath at a time.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or seasonal sadness, know that you’re not alone. You’re human, and it’s okay to feel all the things. But don’t stay stuck. Reach out. Find your light. And remember: you’re stronger than you think.

Xoxo, Drea

Editor’s note: Recently, a recruiter contacted me about a Crisis Counselor position. While I ultimately declined the offer, I’m grateful for the confirmation it provided—that my blog is resonating and aligning with my true life’s purpose.