Winter/Holiday Blues

Yes..but I feel it all year long. Actually, change your routine. Do something diffferent, that you wouldn't normally do, even if you have to force yourself. And make sure and talk to friends and family.

This is a rough time of year for many, even if the cause isn't obvious or easily detected. I have to constantly remind myself to take pleasure in the simple things. To laugh, even if at myself, and to try to do nice things for others, as it will help you feel better about yourself as well.

I always turn in to a miserable grump just after Christmas, never know why. All I know is everything seems to piss me off and I am on a short fuse.

Could it be degree of "Seasonal Affective Disorder" (SAD), or more commonly called the winter blues? This is a real issue with alot of available info.

One common cure is a light box, which basically is exposure to lights that are equivalent to sunlight. They are similar to the vita lights you buy at the pet store for your iguanas.

Treatments range from this light box, diet and exercise to psychotherapy and medication.

I think David's suggestion is good, and maybe some new exercise routine a few times a week, if possible. Yoga is a good option, imho.


fen-

me too.

Della - I have the same problem but at the opposite time of year. Which makes me think that there really is some validity to the SAD diagnosis.

I think that maybe we might be genetically pre-disposed to function better in certain climates. I noticed that as soon as the climate here in S. Florida turned cooler I was energized and much happier. During the summer I am sluggish and depressed.

I noticed that it helped if in the summer, I got up earlier in the morning when it was cooler and darker and actually did something, even if it was just walking outside and yanking a few weeds from the garden.

Maybe it would help you if you got a bit more sun and fresh air this time of year? Sleep in a little longer (if you can) so that it is light when you get up.

Also, the holiday frenzy that occurs at this time of year can be overwhelming and we tend to not get enough sleep, to eat the wrong foods and to over extend our selves from and energy perspective trying to get everything done.

Try staying with a routine that allows for enough time to eat and sleep well and it may also help.

** Hugs **

Rose

Casting my vote into the light, diet, and exercise pool!
Also, FIX YOUR SLEEP PATTERN! It will at the very least give you more light exposure.
I cannot stress this enough. I have lived with a screwed up sleep pattern all my life, but now I am getting close to a year of continuously waking up and going to bed early. It has changed my life around and I am much happier.
The alarm clock is your friend. Learn to love it.

I sooooooo feel you on that Rose. Having spent most of my life in Ft. Lauderdale, the constant heat and humidity makes people absolutely crazy down there. Life turns into a constant longing for the one or two weeks of 50 or 60 degree weather.

I got outta there about 6 months ago and am experiencing snow for the first time! I am all about the Bing Crosby now

Do what I do when I'm feeling down...

BELT OUT the song "Tomorrow" from Annie!

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!

Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!

When I'm stuck a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh!

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
I love ya Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way!

My doctor recommended any kind of activity that gets adrenaline going, as a means of helping treat my clinical depression. He suggested skydiving, I kid you not. I wonder if I can get health care to cover the costs of that.

Not alone at all - I get in a funk from time to time too. Work - Home - Finances -> Stress.

Wanting to do something but never knowing quite what to do - not getting any satisfaction out of anything you used to love.. Nothin seems worth doing - or fun..

Yeah - sometimes the funny stuff don't come and it leaves you bummed out in a slump.

I just try and 'break the rut' -- pick something totally at random and just do it.. in SL or RL.

Sometimes just breaking out and doing something stupid can feel REALLY GOOD.

I think I have some pics of me kayaking in a Santa suit in the middle of summer, wishing all the boaters a Happy Cinco De Mayo!....

Siggy.

That's a really good idea Siggy and I think that next time I find myself in a funk I'll do it. Though I'm not too sure about the Santa suit thing in the middle of a Florida summer.

This sounds stupid...but up your vitamin D intake. Some studies have shown that the lack of sunlight causes your body to produce less vitamin D...which in-turn may lead to depression.
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/91/101374.htm

As for me, I'd suggest marijuana. Without it, I'm depressed and stressed...with it....um...wait....what was I talkin' about again?...um....damn, I'm hungry...

I have a similar problem when winter ends and the days lengthen again.
There is nothing more depressing than waking up in daylight and going to sleep in daylight ; I love when it's night when I wake up and go to bed... more natural. Night is somehow more "intimate" IMO.
The best weather is cold, light rain and very cloudy/night. Sunny, hot and solid blue sky without a cloud is the worst, makes me anxious.
I guess people are all different.

You should stop SL a bit and do things different. Go out. If it sucks at least you'll be happy to go back to SL (warning 0.2 cents psychology)

Actually, MJ can exacerbate the effects of depression and/or schizophrenia in some who susceptible to it. Doesn't stop me, of course, but still...

Hehe, interestingly enough, your skin actually uses sunlight to produce vitamin D. We're kinda photosynthetic, w00t!