A Gentle Reminder for 2022

Happy New Year!

The Christmas tree is finally down, family members have all returned to their respective homes, and we’re about to start implementing those pesky New Year’s Resolutions. It’s that time where we all feel ready to conquer the new year. Well, we’re supposed to during this season… but why is that not the case?

Something else happens around this time of the year that is taken far too lightly and is usually accompanied with air quotes: “seasonal depression”.

Air quotes are not needed, and it really is no laughing matter. Seasonal depression is real, and we have got to start addressing it for what it really is. Some can chalk it up to ‘winter blues’ but for many, it’s much more than just that.

All I Want For Christmas is…

Shortly after Halloween, Mariah Carey starts playing at your local grocery store, and we get bombarded with that delightful forced Christmas cheer. On top of all of that, the days are getting shorter, the nights longer, and the weather just keeps getting colder and colder. We lose track of our diets and we rack up those credit card bills. We are recovering from those awkward and uncomfortable family situations and for some reason, it’s just harder to get out of bed and feel “merry”.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during the same season each year. It usually happens in the fall or winter”. This affects men and women alike, of all social groups. It’s a difficult time to keep spirits up. For everyone.

Gentlemen, we can take some solace in knowing that we are not alone right now.

You Are Not Alone

Set up a support system. It is what’s needed most right now. Suicide rates go up and the infamous, “I had no idea, I didn’t even see it coming” almost triples around this time. If you do not have anyone you feel you can talk to, or know someone who is struggling, please click here. There is always someone that believes in you. Someone that is cheering for you to make it out of this slump. Even if you don’t believe in yourself right now.

2022 is amongst us, whether we want to accept it or not. The best thing to do is jump right into it. Instead of “resolutions,” lets just start with some simple goal setting. Instead of working on the played out “new year, new me” lets focus on the things we did well in 2021, stack on top of that, and continue growing from there.

At Gent’sPost we are working to help redefine masculinity, and it all starts with looking within. Taking an honest look back at what we’ve done. How we acted/reacted in vulnerable situations, and continue working to become better men. For our partners, for our families, but most importantly for ourselves. We love to take care of our loved ones, so let’s start this year off by focusing on taking care of ourselves, because you cannot help another until you are truly able to help yourself.