Have you ever heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (also known as SAD)? Mayo Clinic defines this condition as, “a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons.” Although some people with SAD experience symptoms of depression in spring or early summer, it’s far more common (understandably so) to feel low and lack energy as fall extends into winter. Seasonal Affective Disorder may or may not be something you wrestle with. But it’s probably safe to say most people have a difficult time tolerating long periods of gloomy weather.
So, here we find ourselves in the very heart of winter. This stretch from January to March is a natural time to feel down, at least for those of us who live in Chicagoland. The holiday season has ended. Most days are gray and frigid. We’ve been dealing with similar weather conditions for months, and spring still feels a long way off. If you wish you could spend these first few months of the year curled up under a blanket, you’re probably not the only one. Maybe that’s why coping with an unexpected pregnancy in the middle of winter can be especially challenging.
If gloomy weather and an unexpected pregnancy are getting you down, Avenue Women’s Center can help. We provide free first-step pregnancy services at six locations in Chicagoland, Illinois. Our confidential services include lab-quality pregnancy tests, limited medical ultrasounds, options consultations, and more!
Call, text, chat, or email to schedule an appointment today! We offer in-person and virtual pregnancy consultations.
Coping with the Winter Blues
There’s never a “good time” to experience an unexpected pregnancy. But winter weather tends to make people feel moody and sluggish under “normal” circumstances. So, if you’re going through a disheartening situation like an unexpected pregnancy right now, you may be feeling particularly sad or stressed. Coping well with an unexpected pregnancy involves carefully gathering the facts you need to take informed next steps. Maybe you feel poorly equipped to do that because you lack energy now more than ever. It can become a vicious cycle. Anxiety and depression lead to a sense of stagnation, which leads to more anxiety and depression. If you’re managing an unexpected pregnancy in winter, at least two circumstances beyond your control may be feeding that cycle.
Connecting with Avenue Women’s Center is Easy
This may sound a little bit bleak. But there are manageable steps you can take to break out of that loop! Connecting with someone would be a great place to start, because getting support is key to coping with stress. Consider confiding in a caring and trustworthy friend, family member, or mentor. No matter what kind of support system you have in place, our compassionate team at Avenue Women’s Center is here for you too.
Motivating yourself to reach out can be hard, especially if you’re feeling down. We get it! We’re committed to making this process as easy as possible. Avenue offers a variety of stress-free ways to contact us- through call, text, chat, email, online appointment request, or self-scheduling. This way, persons experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and their loved ones can use the communication tool that’s most comfortable for them. If it isn’t possible to visit one of our six limited medical clinics in person due to distance or winter weather, you’re welcome to schedule a video or phone consultation! You’ll be met with warmth and pressure-free support no matter what.
How Can Avenue Help?
At Avenue Women’s Center, we’re passionate about helping people in Chicagoland and beyond receive the education, resources, and encouragement they need to cope well. Avenue provides a confidential space to learn about your pregnancy and your options (abortion, adoption, and parenting). Our services are designed to inform and empower, so you feel equipped to move toward a pregnancy decision with confidence. A pregnancy consultant is available to process all this by your side! But if you need additional support from a professional counselor, we’d love to help you connect with someone who can help. We provide referrals for a variety of practical community resources as well.
It’s natural to feel down in the wintertime. And it’s hard to find clarity when you’re already in a negative head space. Taking this pregnancy journey one day, hour, or moment at a time may be your best approach. Small steps can make even the most overwhelming situations manageable, as you may have discovered during other challenging seasons of life. Consider reaching out to Avenue. Reliable information and caring connection may be tools you need to gain back your motivation and step into the future with confidence.
Call or text! We’re here for you.
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Reference:
Mayo Clinic. (2021, December). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.