Fall and Winter weather and the lack of light bums me out. Now you may laugh since I live in Seattle where it is gloom and doom from November until June. What do I expect? The picture says it all!
For me, it is a bit more than the winter doldrums. I think I may have Seasonal Affective Disorder {referred to as SAD, very appropriately}. Of course, for now, my diagnosis comes from Internet surfing and the very knowledgeable professionals at WebMD and the MayoClinic. Man, disorder sounds bad, doesn’t it?
SAD is described as a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. If you’re like most people with seasonal affective disorder, your symptoms start in the fall and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. For that last few years, at least, come October I hit the wall. This year I expected it and sure enough as soon as the leaves starting changing colors I started to feel down. Just kind of – blah.
Some of the listed symptoms:
Feeling sad, grumpy or moody. {Sorry to say that’s me. Just ask my kids and husband.}
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. {The big one for me is exercise. I am barely getting in one workout in a week. Totally unlike me!}
Sleep more and feel drowsy during the daytime. {I drank a cup of coffee at 5pm today. I could barely keep my eyes open.}
Eat and crave carbohydrates. {It is ugly.}
Loss of energy. {Even with 9+ hours of sleep I feel like I am running on empty.}
Wow! Don’t you want to hang out with me? I really am fun, I swear.
Do any of you suffer from SAD or know anyone who does? How about Light Therapy and light boxes? Other treatments? I am eager for any and all information. If I could feel better this year and prevent it next year- I am all in.
