Managing Seasonal Depression

Michael is a technical project/program management manager.

  Career Development  

As project managers, we are often overwhelmed. Our minds are preoccupied solving problems for our teams and the projects we are assigned to lead on a day-to-day basis. Yet the slowdown around the holidays can create a void that can lead to an emotional rut.

This rut can grow to become a deep depressive gorge, especially when you factor in holiday stressors. During this time, we can become emotionally weakened—and the impacts can snowball us into a depressive state that can be difficult to resolve without proactive measures.

Seasonal depression impacts around 3% of the population; sadly, I am included in that percentage. Usually in November and December, for an unknown reason, I fall into a deep depression. I am unsure of the root cause—there are no bad memories from childhood, or any of that usual trauma you can put your finger on. But the depression impacts me and my life dramatically.

Below are a few things I focus on during this time of year to mitigate the impacts of these feelings; these strategies allow me to be as productive as I can be during the remainder of the year:

Don’t Be Too Remote
Many of us are still working remotely post-pandemic. For many, this lifestyle provides freedom and a more improved work/life balance; but for some, it can be a path to isolation and loneliness if not managed properly.

Making a point to get out and be …

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