I have been feeling this way for several months... probably longer. It just seems everyone is struggling more.

I am new to this group and do not know but in terms of my alcoholism the season now is when we see many newcomers coming to our groups for help with drinking problems...some get it and stay others usually just come and go.....needing help does not mean they accept the help....but this group is entirely new to me...so I dunno??? is that a good answer her jancam majesty>? LOL

I think there are several factors. One, our energy levels are low to begin with - fighting CP daily. Two, there's the depression factor. Three, the added stress of the holiday season (especially the commercialization). Four, the US and world's severe economic problems, not to mention the wars and MidEast disharmony...... So, yes, I think people are struggling, and it seems to me it is worse this year.

It is always worse when the rest of the world is all happy and joy filled.
The suicide rate goes up in the spring when most of the world is feeling bright and cheerful. Pain, depression, struggles are harder when all those around us are feeling joy that we have no real hope of sharing.

The other thing is Seasonal Affective Disorder. S.A.D.
Light is critical to feelings of well being wither thru vit D metabolism or just the actual light. As it gets cold, we go out less. Since we already go out less than normal, we are at greater risk of S.A.D.

JC, I notice the same thing this year. It is a hard year. I don't even want to "do" Christmas this year. I usually always try to do it. Not this year.

I am suffering progressive chronic pain and depression. It just seems worse this year. I don't know specifically why this is. It's good to know I am not alone even though I don't wish these doldrums on anyone.

The holidays are something for me to endure, not enjoy.

the last two years have been worse for me with moving back to hometown and family stress on top of all else.

it seems that others are struggling more also. this time of year just has so much pressure associated with it on top of the daily struggles of chronic pain.
weather, financial, trying to force "the spirit..."

there are so many people here who bolster my spirit amidst their own struggles and i am so appreciative of that, but there's still daily life to deal with.

Sunny beat me to the punch- SAD affects (no pun intended) a lot more people than we think. The temperatures getting colder, the days shorter, plus the added stress of the holidays.

I'm actually feeling better mentally this year than I did last year. Tim and I were still separated and even though I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas day with the boys, I returned home to an empty house. No friends, no dog, no cat. Just me and my thoughts. I"m surprised I actually survived last year-the worst holiday ever, except for the Christmas my mom died on 12/21.

Don't let yourself spiral down until your hopeless. Get some help- whether it's your GP, Psychiatrist, Therapist, or PM doc. There's a lot of help out there for people in crisis (except maybe in Heather's area, where the crisis workers are a-holes).

I hope everyone can find one reason to celebrate the joy of our savior's birth. Even one small thing can make all the difference in the world.

I want my happy jc back :(.

Sandy

For me, the colder wetter days bring way more pain and problems. Things ease up in the Spring, but there always seem to be something new to add on.....

Kat

This has been the roughest year. More flares, harder to move around. So glad the kids want money. Although I'm used to hitting the department stores, pulling my hair out with too loud Christmas music and fighting crowds to buy gifts. I only shopped for my husband this year and I did that online.

I was around here last year and don't recall the stress level being so high. Alot of conflict in the world going on this year that only adds to the stress. I don't even watch the news anymore. Just adds to the stress.