As a candlemaker, one of the most frequent questions I get asked is, "why did you start making candles?".
The honest answer is that I was fascinated by how they can help mental wellbeing.
It was the autumn of 2020, and I'd just began my therapy journey, debating going no contact from my entire family.
We might dig into THAT story another time, but as a healthy coping mechanism, my therapist began by explaining some of the benefits of aromatherapy. I absolutely loved the idea that particular smells and aromas can aid our brains.
Five years later, and I now proudly run my own multi-award-winning candle company, founded in mental health awarenes and recovery.
In finding my niche and community online, I began to notice a strange kinship I had in common with my followers; a lot of us struggled with seasonal depression.
Seasonal Depression - What is it?
Otherwise known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD - how ironic), it's a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year. For some people, it can occur in summer. However, it is most common for those in the darker months.
What are the signs and symptoms to watch out for?
Here are some of the most common symptoms of SAD, alongside some remedies to help ease them.
1. A General Lack of Motivation
This can look like not wanting to sleep, eat, or get out of bed. This is one of the most common symptoms reported by many. We can lose our passion for food, socialising, and the things that usually bring us joy.
Good counter-
A good counter for this is to try and make a schedule, or get moving in the form of exercise; even just a walk outside is good (bonus points if you do it with wired headphones and a banging playlist, OG emo-style).
Multiple studies show that walking in nature can boost our mood and wellbeing.
2. Excessive Sleeping
People who struggle with SAD may produce melotonin in higher levels. Losing sunshine also disrupts our circadian rhythm (which is our natural body clock).
The shorter days and longer periods of darkness can basically throw our body out of wack.
Good counter -
Dawn simulators, sunrise alarm clocks and UV lamps can help, as can taking vitamin D.
Taking vitamins can help aid the body in the darker months.
3. Appetite Decreases/Poor Diet
Because SAD can stop us enjoying things as much, we can lose interest in food. Cooking becomes harder, because we don't have the motivation to create a meal. This then can feed into a cycle, as we aren't getting the nutrients we need, making us feel worse, and even more unmotivated to eat.
In addition, depression can influence our self-image, leading to an impact on our eating habits. We may eat less because we don't like how we look, or we may eat more and not move enough to burn the excess calories.
Good Counter-
Try and stick to a meal schedule, cooking some meals yourself if you can (rather than takeaways). Even a beige oven meal is better than eating crisps for tea. Potato smiley faces to help your sad one.
4. Ignoring Messages/Not Reaching Out (Guiltyyyy)
This is personally the one that I struggle with the most.
With a lack of motivation, we can feel like a burden reaching out to friends and loved ones. As a result, our social contact decreases, leading to more feelings of isolation.
Humans are social creatures who crave connection by nature, so this can really take its toll after a while.
Good counter-
Try to prioritise some social activities with loved ones and friends. Even a FaceTime or a video call is better than sitting in your own head for days on end.
5. Anxiety/Irritability Increase
A shorter fuse and/or a feeling of dread are both common symptoms to be aware of. This could be due to our serotonin and melotonin levels being impacted.
Not to mention, the looming Christmas family obligations and forced spending can make a lot of us anxious.
Good counter-
Try aromatherapy, meditation and/or yoga. All three are scientifically proven to de-stress the body and mind, even if they can make you feel a bit silly and self-conscious sometimes.
6. General Feelings of Numbness/Emptiness
This is one of the most overwhelming symptoms to deal with. It can feel like very little happens over the winter. We're inside more, and socialising less. When we do finally pluck up the motivation to leave the house, it can feel exhausting, overwhelming, and not really worth the effort.
Good counter -
If you ever feel like it's too much, always consider reaching out. Speaking with a counsellor, a friend, a family member, or your GP can help if it's too intense.
Most importantly, remember that seasons change, and this will eventually pass.
Combatting with Candles
As for RinkyDink, the upcoming Dark Nights collection has been specifically formulated to help us transition into the darker and colder weather.
Candles can be a huge aid in boosting mental health, so we'll be releasing this collection on November 1st.
Right in time for the tricky bit after the clocks go back!