What is Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder, also known as S.A.D., winter depression or the winter blues is an affective, or mood, disorder. Most SAD sufferers experience normal mental health thro...
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Hibernation anyone?
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Usually at this time of year, I'm well tucked inside with hot tea in hand and the fireplace aglow...and the phone unanswered and the pc dusty.
I'm not sure why things are not so bad yet this year. Maybe it's because I've been taking regular walks after work with my incredibly interactive cat. It's getting colder here and we've had a lot of dense fog lately so the short walks we go on let us both stretch our legs and get some fresh air a couple times each evening. Or, perhaps it's because I've made an effort to concentrate on doing the activities that I enjoy and not committing to those that hold less appeal. I'm being nice to myself instead of being guilted/pressured/etc. into agreeing to do something I would have a hard time motivating myself to do. Then, if I'm actually doing things I like, I can hibernate at other times and not become completely isolated. I think in past years I've waited too long to form a routine outside connection and then I wasn't in any shape to be creating a link to the outside. Since I'm an animal lover, for the past few months I've been visiting the local no-kill shelter on weekend afternoons and playing with the orphan kitties. From my involvement there, I've attended an art auction fund raiser benefitting the shelter along with 2 co-workers who also visit or volunteer at the shelter. This weekend, we're all bringing our animals to have their pictures taken with Santa. Goofy I know, but if it gets me out of the house? I guess it can't be too bad. Let me know how you all are doing, and what seems to work for you. I'd be interested to know if we do the same things or wildly different. Mo Posted on 12/04/08, 11:12 pm |
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Hi Mo,
I think you have the right idea, starting early to form routines of getting out before the SAD symptoms hit. Personally I have NOT done that well enough yet this year. I meet a couple of friends at a coffee shop on Tuesday evenings, which is a great start, but probably not enough. 
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You definitely are doing the right things for yourself. These things help us to deal better with our SAD. I know the busier I am, the happier and less anxious I am. However, I too like to hybernate when it is dark and gloomy outside. My daughter is coming to see me hopefully tomorrow, and I always love to see her. Then Sat. night I am going to a party. Having plans certainly gives me motivation to get through all the dark days. Take care, and feel good.
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I've been taking my cat for walks after work, usually in the dark/fog, and he totally enjoys it. I enjoy it too as long as we keep moving -- sometimes he gets distracted by his own socializing and I have to redirect his attention. But at least we get a few blocks in and some fresh air.
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I am reading EVERY joke on my computer..So I laugh and forget how bad, sad, dark and COLD it is outside.
I'm getting some plants for indoors..Since I don't do the garden I WILL BUY ME SOME FLOWERS FROM the farmers market..For $5.00 I can have flowers all over the home!
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I am reading EVERY joke on my computer..So I laugh and forget how bad, sad, dark and COLD it is outside.
I'm getting some plants for indoors..Since I don't do the garden I WILL BUY ME SOME FLOWERS FROM the farmers market..For $5.00 I can have flowers all over the home!
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When I start hibernating I'm toast. I do get out a lot because I walk my daughters to school and I walk the dog everyday. I don't have a car and I usually end up walking everywhere. Winter is is the worst especially in a basement apt, but any cloudy day of the year and I can find myself in the dumps. I'm such a social person that I find it hard being a single mom..I put my girls to bed and then I can't leave the house. My boyfriend comes over a often as he can as do my girl friends but it's sometimes not enough. Getting out helps but what do you do when you can't leave??
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Great advice csand
~ also try and open all your blinds and curtains, where appropriate and let in as much light as possible. Although it does not filter through the windows, it will give you a feeling of the open air (well unless it is a totally miserable day ~ then just keep them shut, it just brings me down). Keep our chins up peeps ~ as someone said to me on here the other day ~ it doesnt last forever ~ THANK GOD FOR THAT ~ te he :):) Angel xxxx
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I have already stopped going places, mine hit back in November. I rarely go anywhere, I might go out once a week but that's about it right now. I become a hermit in the winter and it has been like this for the past few winters now.
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Bump :)
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