Seasonal Depression - are you experiencing depression? (anonymous poll)

[Chrissy77]

I suppose I'm a little bit sad since we've lost Trey and my grandmother in the last few months but not depressed. Very happy for them to be with the Lord and looking forward to seeing them again. XD

I never used to, but i found my brother laying dead in my bed one christmas morning. Sooooooo i'd say i have some seasonal depression.

I'm so sorry for your losses. This is when you want family,friends, and loved ones with you the most.

 

[Chrissy77]

The holidays can be a terribly depressing time. My ex-husband left right before the holidays and was very happy about ending our relationship because it meant he got to spend them with his new girlfriend... It stung A LOT and I felt stabbed through the heart every day for years. The holiday season has never been the same for me since. I usually have to spend it with family who are all with their own spouses.

I spent one Christmas Day at home alone eating cereal, just to get away from it all.

Someday, I hope to have a meaningful Christmas again.

I'm so sorry this had to happen let alone around a holiday.

 

[seoulsearch]

Thank you for the kind words, Chrissy and Zero--it makes me appreciate my family even more, and it's made me aware that not everyone looks forward to the holidays, so when I see co-workers and people around me, I always ask if they have somewhere to go and if not, try to invite them to something so they won't be alone either. This time of year is a great time to reach out to the people around us!

 

[arwen83]

It's weird but I notice sometimes when its been cloudy and grey for a few days, then one day the sun comes out and I automatically feel lighter.

 

[violakat]

You know, my favorite Christmases are usually those when my family spends time with friends, especially those who are either single, or less fortunate.

--------------------
Some of the really cool things I remember doing:

1. Christmas shows with my siblings at nursing homes.
2. Baking some cookies and taking my "adopted" nephews to a local fire station and drop them off.
3. Playing with my "adopted" nieces, who was then about 6 or 7.

-----------------
Generally, the only time Christmas becomes very long is when it seems that it ends after the gifts are open, or when I'm sick, or someone else is sick. (Never get sick when you favorite pasta dish is being served for Christmas.)

 

[NukePooch]

I really get mopey when I don't see the sun. Now that I have a job where I work outside every day, I can see just how much the tun affects my moods. I've got a 'natural light' lamp which helped during winters (currently in storage, your guess is as good as mine where exactly it is).

However, as long as I keep myself aware of it, I can combat it without much issue.

 

[Jullianna]

I like to be outdoors, even if it is cold, running, climbing, riding..whatever. It helps me deal with stress. We had a total of about 15" of snow a few weeks ago and it has been far too messy outside to do any of that. Being stuck indoors for an extended period has made me feel pretty ...ugh. You'll likely see me posting more under those circumstances.

P.S. - Holly, I'm so sorry I missed your tragic post the first time around. Bless your heart....wow <3

 

[zeroturbulence]

I never used to, but i found my brother laying dead in my bed one christmas morning. Sooooooo i'd say i have some seasonal depression.

Oh man I didn't see this either. So sorry, Holly. I can't even imagine.

 

[wisebeardman]

holidays are just another day to me.

 

[Donkeyfish07]

I feel pretty depressed after reading some of the recent threads......a face palm just isn't enough these days

 

[lil_christian]

I do get the Winter Blues, because I don't get enough sunlight during the winter (sunshine makes me happy ).

 

[Lonie]

This is totally how i'm feeling especially today since Thanksgiving is around the corner siiiiiigh Holiday Blues

 

[rachelsedge]

I feel pretty depressed after reading some of the recent threads......a face palm just isn't enough these days

Agreed. The zombie threads don't help, either.

 

[zeroturbulence]

For a second i thought Rachel resurrected this thread... but no, its just someone who voted and didn't post.


Don't be shy out there... go ahead and post something. There's no rule against bringing back old threads (not even if they're mine )


I really miss some of the peeps on here...

 

[LittleBit1987]

Why yes I am guilty of feeling a little depressed during the holidays. Any and all holidays... I used to be super happy and go lucky with holidays and have the house decorated and make foods and just have a blast.

But loved ones have passed and I just can’t do it sometimes. No matter how much I force myself to do certain things, there’s just no way to make oneself get up and decorate and make food when the only thing you want is to have a glass of wine and enjoy time in the woods at a cabin in front of a roaring fire.

 

[laughingheart]

Seasonal Depression - are you experiencing depression? (anonymous poll)




A lot of people get depressed during the holiday season. For some it is due a feeling of loneliness when everyone else seems to be enjoying family and friends; for others it might be from a loss that they suffered associated with the holidays, for even others it might be the absence of sunlight which occurs this time of year. Thre are also other reasons (feelings suicidal, chemical imbalance, etc..).

Whatever the reason, please share with us if you would like to and the rest of us can say a small prayer for those around us who are feeling down.

__________________________

Below is some information about a certain type of depression which occurs around this time of year called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). It difffers from clinical depression since it only occurs when seasons change for some people. Hopefully this info might shed some light for some who are suffering...

Link (reference): Seasonal Depression (SAD) Symptoms, Treatments, Medications - eMedicineHealth

Seasonal Depression Overview
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is tied to seasons of the year. Historical facts about SAD include that as early as 400 BC, Hippocrates described changes in seasons as causing illness. By 200 years later, light therapy was being recommended as treatment for people described as "lethargics" or suffering from "gloom." Most people with SAD are depressed only during the late fall and winter (sometimes called the "winter blues") and not during the spring or summer. That many cultures celebrate a number of holidays during the winter can be an additional stress for people with SAD. A small number of SAD sufferers, however, are depressed only during the late spring and summer. In contrast to SAD, other forms of recurrent depression, like bipolar or unipolar depression, occur independently of the time of year.

SAD is most common in young adult women, although it can affect men or women of any age. Statistics about this disorder include that SAD may affect as many as six of every 100 people in North America, more in the northern portions of the country than in the South. Another 10%-20% of people may have a milder form of seasonal mood change.

Like all types of clinical depression, SAD can have a devastating effect on a person's life. Fortunately, almost all people with SAD can be helped with available therapies.


The exact causes of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are unknown.

- Chemical changes in the brain caused by changes in the amount of sunlight are probably involved. Risk factors for SAD include living in geographical locations that are dark or cloudy during the winter.

- A tendency to have SAD may run in some families.

- Given how often alcohol abuse and dependence occur in individuals with SAD, there is thought to be a possible genetic link between having either illness.

- Low levels of vitamin D seem to be a risk factor for developing a number of mood disorders, including SAD.


Seasonal Depression Treatment - Self-Care at Home:

The following activities or lifestyle changes may help prevent seasonal affective disorder or improve the symptoms:

- Spend at least 30 minutes outside every day.
- Set a timer on a light to go on early in the morning in the bedroom.
- Use a dawn simulator for a more naturalistic artificial dawn.
- Take daily walks outside.
- Increase indoor lighting with regular lamps and fixtures.

Thank you so much for sharing this. SADs is devastating. I have my light on right now and it helps. I prepare before hand and enjoy as much time in the winter sun as possible. I normally don't like my birthday because it is in late November. I didn't realize about SADs and it made so much sense.

 

[zeroturbulence]

Why yes I am guilty of feeling a little depressed during the holidays. Any and all holidays... I used to be super happy and go lucky with holidays and have the house decorated and make foods and just have a blast.

But loved ones have passed and I just can’t do it sometimes. No matter how much I force myself to do certain things, there’s just no way to make oneself get up and decorate and make food when the only thing you want is to have a glass of wine and enjoy time in the woods at a cabin in front of a roaring fire.

Sorry, Lilbit I will be missing my dad too. I believe they will be with us in spirit. And its your new baby's first christmas

 

[zeroturbulence]

Thank you so much for sharing this. SADs is devastating. I have my light on right now and it helps. I prepare before hand and enjoy as much time in the winter sun as possible. I normally don't like my birthday because it is in late November. I didn't realize about SADs and it made so much sense.

I hope you find joy or that God brings it to you somehow. I too have a late birthday. Mine's closer to christmas so I know what you mean.