I know it’s crazy, and some of you think, how can a person that just came back from an awesome trip to Hollywood be depressed? But it’s true. I’m depressed again. Last week was worse than this week, I was barely able to function and most everyone that knows me noticed something was wrong and all I could respond with was that I was tired. I actually thought I was just tired, but how much time in bed does it take for someone to no longer feel tired?
A LOT when you’re depressed.
I wanted to try and write about it last week, but I knew that if there were any adverse comments that I would just start crying, throw my computer across the room and hide under the blankets. So, I just really pulled in and didn’t do much of anything. If it wasn’t for my husband that understands what it’s like to go through ups and downs, I think I would have slid even further than I did.
Seasonal Affective Disorder affects me the most when it’s days of raining, but I really do think I was tired and the combination of being tired, the overcast for a few days, and my kids telling me to go back to work (they love when I go on blogging trips) my brain just took it all and shut down the happiness. Just in case you have no idea what Seasonal Affective Disorder is:
Fall and winter seasonal affective disorder (winter depression)
Winter-onset seasonal affective disorder symptoms include:
- Depression
- Hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Loss of energy
- Social withdrawal
- Oversleeping
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating and processing information
From the Mayo Clinic
I was tired, depressed, and couldn’t concentrate on anything. All I still want to do is sleep, and even now with the sun out, and a little positive energy is in me, I find it quite difficult to write at all. And the more I put off the writing the more behind I get and it’s an endless downward spiral sometimes, but I’m working on finding my way out. So as you see fewer posts this week, next week I’ll try to be on top of it all. This weekend, I would expect an onslaught of posting as I’m way behind. (still catching up from Christmas AHHHHH).
Oh. You poor thing.
hang in there. the day WILL get brighter.
Hope you feel better soon!
Thank you Alexis,
I’m always behind and I’m just not getting to responding to the comments on my SAD post. I do feel better, Thanks for your uplifting comment, it really means a lot that you visited and left a comment! See you Monday for Monday Mingle!
Welcome back. We missed you.
Thanks for the Welcome Back JD. Are there any local events that I need to know about?
I’m so sorry Louise! I’m here if you need to talk.
You’re a great friend Crystal! Thanks for leaving comments often on Mom Start. Also, thanks for all of your encouragement and support while I was down. I’m still not 100 percent, but I know that I have friends like you I can reach out too.
I know all too well those feelings and I’m definitely ready for some sunny weather again.
Oh Cat!!
You seem like you always have it together. Your site is amazing and I admire you a lot. Thanks for leaving me a comment on my SAD post. Winter is a very difficult time and it’s really odd how we’re so needy for that nice warm sunny weather. Thank you!!
[HUG] Wish I could see you tomorrow. When the kids are better let’s make a park our backyard play date soon. Yeah for the sun today, no?
Hang in there, Spring is coming! (((HUGS)))
Have you tried one of those full spectrum light bulbs? They cost more than normal and you don’t want it in a socket you use all the time but put it in a lamp in the corner somewhere(by the recliner works for me) and sit under it a bit every day when its dreary outside. Not sure if it’s just the light or the vitamin D or what but it does help.
I hope you get to feeling better soon Louise. Spring is right around the corner! ((hugs))
About half of our family (adults) get this in some form. I have also been told that anyone living far north with low sunlight, and too cold to get the Vit. D absorbed by your skin is often low on this vitamin and will be same symptoms. I would ask to have your VIT D levels checked just to see if that would be the problem. If it is this, it can help your ATTITUDE about this much more, just knowing you can do something about it and not just waiting the days to pass til spring arrives. You could feel much better by getting your body nutritionally and chemically sound again if it’s off a bit.
I am SO in the same boat. I AM counting the days til spring and trying REALLY hard to sit by a window with natural lighting. We actually have some sun today, even IF it’s about -10 here and not chance to get out to enjoy it with winter activity. If it helps at all, Punxsutawney Phil said we are having an EARLY spring. YIPPEE!
I suffer from Bipolar – so I go through bouts of depression at any random time. Right now I’m middle the middle of the storm and it’s bad. I can totally relate. I hope you feel better soon!!!
You’re not alone here. I too suffer from this seasonal disorder. Lighting is the key. My body requires sunshine and If it’s cloudy then I have to resort to lighting.
Bless you – this is a bonafide disorder, you are so lucky to have a Spouse who understands! The ‘Daylight’ lamps DO help, and sometimes supplements like the B-vitamins & SAM-e, but it takes ahile to get the levels up in your bloodstream. Hang in there, I know you feel lonely but don;t be afraid to reach out – it’s important to keep up your contacts w/others…. and Spring IS coming!
I agree- lighting might be something you want to check into. There are special table lamps that might help (you probably know about them). I hope the SAD leaves you alone soon
I agree- lighting might be something you want to check into. There are special table lamps that might help (you probably know about them). I hope the SAD leaves you alone soon
Sorry I commented twice- eek. I guess this make it 3 times….
I can feel ya sweetie.No fun. Good for you for talking about it…not letting it have complete control.
I can relate. I go through this too, It is a struggle to remain happy and positive, but some how I am able to overcome it. I never used to be, it would bring me down for days if not weeks at a time! ((HUGS))
How much vitamin D3 do you take if any? I was diagnose with vitamin D deficiency and put on prescription strength twice, I have since read that it is quite common. I now take 5000 iu’s way more than they cdc or ama recommend but about right when you talk to enlightened doctors, even walmart sells that strength. I know it made me feel better. Hang in there. I know all too well what depression can do.
I hope things look up for you soon. I’ve not been diagnosed, but I believe I may have the same thing. This cold weather has gotten me down in the dumps. I’m much moodier, I sleep a lot, and I’ve gained weight. I don’t want to be around people either. I’m longing for spring to get here. I really think things will improve then.