The worst time of the year!

[RJ'S/beginning 5,358]

Well it has reared its ugly head again this year and right on time. For some reason and I don't know why I experience a deeper depressive state. I know this because I wake up at night feeling panicked and shaky.

I detest it and always hope that next year it won't happen. I used to get extra drugs this time of year to get me through it but I don't have my shrink anymore on call...lol

Sure wish I knew a way to lesson the dark feelings that engulf me through March and April......I have never figured it out and have no idea why. There is more sun now and it is getting stronger. So I should really be feeling better. But no!....This is my norm for this time of year!

I am fighting the urge to stay in the house and not go outside for anything, and to keep talking as usually I don't talk much when this happens. Possible good thing for hubby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a tendency to hide away. Keeping everything as calm and quiet as possible....Basically not living.

That is the old me. I have to press on and take myself out of my comfort zones, so I can grow and change and benefit from my new life....It is becoming more and more difficult right now though....

Anyone else suffer a darker and deeper depression this time of year? If so what do you do about it? Do you do what I always do and up my meds for a few months?

Just wondering!

Thanks!

[able2cope 193]

I've got no words of wisdom, but just wanted to say that I'm so sorry you are feeling that way. Maybe you could see about getting a doctor who would prescribe you some more meds to see you over this hump? Or maybe try to look in to the reasons of what does make you feel like this - as you say, its getting brighter days etc.. I know that last year and all the years previous - especially when the kids were little, I got slightly depressed as Summer approached, as I knew I wasn't going to be able to do the things with the kids that I would have liked to do - or wear all the nice summer clothes - now I'm smaller, I could wear the clothes - just I hate my arms so much I need three quarter sleeves unless I have a cardigan on top - small price to pay for being healthier though - just wish it wasn't happening twenty years ago..

I hope you get to feeling better very soon x

[pupichupi 124]

Hey RJ, I know how you feel, cause I have been saying the same thing about being depressed. I am scheduled to have my surgery in 2-1/2 weeks and I have been so anxious it's stressing me out, but then the depression from the weather here is awful. No Sun, all white, snow everywhere, and more coming. I hate it. I need to move out of Massachusetts to somewhere warm, but all my family and friends are here, and my job and my kids father everything is here so I don't go? I don't do anything just get up and do the same thing everyday go to work and suffer through it. I do take depression meds on a regular but I don't up them. It's also not an everyday feeling it's maybe a couple days a week and if I am lucky it's only once a week, but I just hate feeling down? I just want to crawl in bed and cry all day???? So please cheer up and hope everything gets better!!!

[HumanMerelyBeing 287]

RJ -

I am also sorry to hear this. You are one of the bright spots on this forum and I have gained a lot from your posts and your responses since joining a few months ago.

I do know this feeling all too well and can oddly experience it during the change from winter to spring. You'd think it would be the opposite, but I don't get the same dip as fall and even winter come on.

And yes, meds have helped a lot during these darker times. Maybe it's time to get back in contact with your provider. Hang in there, you have many admirers on here!!

[ATK 11]

Hello RJ!

This is the worst time of the year for many people, including myself. It has a fancy name: Seasonal Mood Disorder. It's caused by decrease of seratonine level and vit D3 which happen especially during winter months, but shows delayed respond. Winter vacation in Florida can be very helpfull. Meds and natural supplements to boost your energy and mood may also be very helpful. I was told that meditation works very well. It's sounds logical but personally I've never tried it.

I feel your pain... I spent 1 1/2 months 2 years in the row locked in my room. I physically couldn't function. I was very tired all the time, had no interest in activities that normally made me very happy. I was forcing myself to get out of bed to go to work or drive to pick up my children from school. I slept and still was sleepy.

I really hope you will get better soon. It's getting warmer, days are getting longer and soon it will pass. Just hang in there a little. You've been through so much! Please let me know if I can do anything for you. We can chat or talk on the phone. I feel I can help you to get through this rough time.

Best wishes!!!

[gourmetone 394]

Same here winter BLUES its all I have to find reason to get dressed (retired) today's conquest was making dinner didn't want to eat it after but made it ha,ha

Oh not funny at all just taking one day at a time reading these blogs makes my day.

[taylokat 180]

RJ do you live where it's cold? Maybe you need a vacation to a warm climate. Maybe you have SAD-Seasonal Affective Disorder.

[RJ'S/beginning 5,358]

Hey RJ, I know how you feel, cause I have been saying the same thing about being depressed. I am scheduled to have my surgery in 2-1/2 weeks and I have been so anxious it's stressing me out, but then the depression from the weather here is awful. No Sun, all white, snow everywhere, and more coming. I hate it. I need to move out of Massachusetts to somewhere warm, but all my family and friends are here, and my job and my kids father everything is here so I don't go? I don't do anything just get up and do the same thing everyday go to work and suffer through it. I do take depression meds on a regular but I don't up them. It's also not an everyday feeling it's maybe a couple days a week and if I am lucky it's only once a week, but I just hate feeling down? I just want to crawl in bed and cry all day???? So please cheer up and hope everything gets better!!!

i suffer from chronic depression and am one of those that the meds only take the edge off. but this time of year it creeps up on my like a dark shadow. I have found that the only thing that works is either riding it through or upping meds for 3 months....I can't stand feeling off like this...since i tend to be kinda off anyway..lol

Sorry you suffer the same fate....Not nice eh!

[RJ'S/beginning 5,358]

RJ do you live where it's cold? Maybe you need a vacation to a warm climate. Maybe you have SAD-Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Of course I have sad...but it intensifies something horrible in Mar and Apr. May it starts to settle down. Not only do I recoil but I find myself off balance and dizzy and feeling totally hopeless. A trip down south is unattainable for me this year or any year for that matter. Times are always tough...LOL.

[RJ'S/beginning 5,358]

Hello RJ!

This is the worst time of the year for many people, including myself. It has a fancy name: Seasonal Mood Disorder. It's caused by decrease of seratonine level and vit D3 which happen especially during winter months, but shows delayed respond. Winter vacation in Florida can be very helpfull. Meds and natural supplements to boost your energy and mood may also be very helpful. I was told that meditation works very well. It's sounds logical but personally I've never tried it.

I feel your pain... I spent 1 1/2 months 2 years in the row locked in my room. I physically couldn't function. I was very tired all the time, had no interest in activities that normally made me very happy. I was forcing myself to get out of bed to go to work or drive to pick up my children from school. I slept and still was sleepy.

I really hope you will get better soon. It's getting warmer, days are getting longer and soon it will pass. Just hang in there a little. You've been through so much! Please let me know if I can do anything for you. We can chat or talk on the phone. I feel I can help you to get through this rough time.

Best wishes!!!

That is very, very sweet of you to offer your personal help...A kindness not always available. you are a true spirit to this forum...Thank you!

[pupichupi 124]

Hey RJ, I know how you feel, cause I have been saying the same thing about being depressed. I am scheduled to have my surgery in 2-1/2 weeks and I have been so anxious it's stressing me out, but then the depression from the weather here is awful. No Sun, all white, snow everywhere, and more coming. I hate it. I need to move out of Massachusetts to somewhere warm, but all my family and friends are here, and my job and my kids father everything is here so I don't go? I don't do anything just get up and do the same thing everyday go to work and suffer through it. I do take depression meds on a regular but I don't up them. It's also not an everyday feeling it's maybe a couple days a week and if I am lucky it's only once a week, but I just hate feeling down? I just want to crawl in bed and cry all day???? So please cheer up and hope everything gets better!!!

i suffer from chronic depression and am one of those that the meds only take the edge off. but this time of year it creeps up on my like a dark shadow. I have found that the only thing that works is either riding it through or upping meds for 3 months....I can't stand feeling off like this...since i tend to be kinda off anyway..lol

Sorry you suffer the same fate....Not nice eh!

RJ,

I went to a therapist and she diagnosed me with Major Depression, and that is why I am on meds too, so I know what its like and I hope that someday I can figure out how not to be depressed but for now I just go along with the swing of things? I know right now is my bad time too, but of course I live in new england and it is freezing here and we have had sooooo much snow this year and I really hate the snow and the cold and so it makes it that much worse??? I feel off most days too and trust me I am not all here anyway, lol but being more off is just that much worse? I know it will pass, but I suffer from depression all year and it doesn't get a whole lot better? I sometimes wonder if my weight and my health has a role in it cause I hate my body and the way I look? So anyway I hope you feel better soon!!! You deserve to!!!

[abordenster 43]

I have depression as we'll. Its double depression. I've read about light therapy. Or just having a lamp with a UV light. I live in California so haven't needed the extra UV. I met someone who had seasonal effective disorder. She said if it rained nothing could make her feel better. She talked about the light therapy and did mention that it helped. The sun and Water help me a lot. I know I would absolutely need it if I lived in a less light friendly climate with a longer winter.

[cherbear33 288]

This song may help to lift your spirits some!!! I cried as I listened to it but it was a good cry!!!

Its a song by Nikki Flores called Silhouette!!! I swear this song was written for all of us who are going through this life changing experience!

I hope you give it a listen to & I pray it may help lift your spirits & you can find a reason to smile again!!!

I put up a thread about this song on the forum as well to let others know about it & I hope it helps many others out there along their journey!!!

[RJ'S/beginning 5,358]

Hey RJ, I know how you feel, cause I have been saying the same thing about being depressed. I am scheduled to have my surgery in 2-1/2 weeks and I have been so anxious it's stressing me out, but then the depression from the weather here is awful. No Sun, all white, snow everywhere, and more coming. I hate it. I need to move out of Massachusetts to somewhere warm, but all my family and friends are here, and my job and my kids father everything is here so I don't go? I don't do anything just get up and do the same thing everyday go to work and suffer through it. I do take depression meds on a regular but I don't up them. It's also not an everyday feeling it's maybe a couple days a week and if I am lucky it's only once a week, but I just hate feeling down? I just want to crawl in bed and cry all day???? So please cheer up and hope everything gets better!!!

i suffer from chronic depression and am one of those that the meds only take the edge off. but this time of year it creeps up on my like a dark shadow. I have found that the only thing that works is either riding it through or upping meds for 3 months....I can't stand feeling off like this...since i tend to be kinda off anyway..lol

Sorry you suffer the same fate....Not nice eh!

RJ,

I went to a therapist and she diagnosed me with Major Depression, and that is why I am on meds too, so I know what its like and I hope that someday I can figure out how not to be depressed but for now I just go along with the swing of things? I know right now is my bad time too, but of course I live in new england and it is freezing here and we have had sooooo much snow this year and I really hate the snow and the cold and so it makes it that much worse??? I feel off most days too and trust me I am not all here anyway, lol but being more off is just that much worse? I know it will pass, but I suffer from depression all year and it doesn't get a whole lot better? I sometimes wonder if my weight and my health has a role in it cause I hate my body and the way I look? So anyway I hope you feel better soon!!! You deserve to!!!

How you feel about yourself can contribute to it. And even make matters worse. But it is not the underlying issue. I have lost a tone of weight and feel much better physically. but without fail this happens every March until May. It does help to feel better about where you are in your life and what you have accomplished for yourself. But it has not changed for me..I plunge into this every year around this time.....

Went to the Doctor today to ask what he want to to do about this and he said we are taking bloods to see where your Vitamin D is and where you are in minerals and other Vitamins. Then he said we are going to get to the bottom of this....OKAY if you say so..........

He said that if I went to a warm climate for the winder this might not happen. I told him saying that makes me feel old.....Dang!

I have depression as we'll. Its double depression. I've read about light therapy. Or just having a lamp with a UV light. I live in California so haven't needed the extra UV. I met someone who had seasonal effective disorder. She said if it rained nothing could make her feel better. She talked about the light therapy and did mention that it helped. The sun and Water help me a lot. I know I would absolutely need it if I lived in a less light friendly climate with a longer winter.

[RJ'S/beginning 5,358]

This song may help to lift your spirits some!!! I cried as I listened to it but it was a good cry!!!

Its a song by Nikki Flores called Silhouette!!! I swear this song was written for all of us who are going through this life changing experience!

I hope you give it a listen to & I pray it may help lift your spirits & you can find a reason to smile again!!!

I put up a thread about this song on the forum as well to let others know about it & I hope it helps many others out there along their journey!!!

I listened to your song you love and it was sweet and had a real tone in it for exactly the struggle of the journey we are taking. the ups and downs and remembering who we are inside. Thanks for the listen!

Edited February 28, 2014 by RJ'S/beginning