Surviving this winter's blues...

saschka7
saschka7 Posts: 577 Member
in Motivation and Support
Just wondering how many other folks out there are suffering through the same winter (or possibly worse) that I am and what everyone is doing about it.

I admit I suffer from seasonal depression. I use a light box and take vitamin D and while that does stave off bouts of tears and the worst of depression, this year the winter is so brutal in my area that I am still finding it difficult to go about my daily life and do basic things like pay bills and wash dishes. I live alone and have no one to 'put up a front' for.

In past years, the light box etc has helped, but this year the winter has been so bad I feel as if it is much tougher to slog through the day. I do try to eat healthy and go to the gym but I am also "blessed" with feeling uncontrollably sleepy as soon as the sun sets and I find it very difficult to keep awake past 8 PM (I have been like this since I was very young).

I'm just wondering how many other people are going through the same thing right now. I'm in the Great Lakes region of the US and I've lost count of how much snow we have and it has not been above freezing for the last 6 weeks--and most of that time, the wind chill has been sub-zero. I envy people who live in other climes who actually see the sun between October and April but not here--the sky is just a dreary stretch of white or grey from horizon to horizon, like something you pull out of the lint trap from the clothes dryer. I know this will pass but it's so hard in the meantime.

I know it will pass in a few weeks (hopefully). :smile:

Enough whining! What is everyone else (especially those who live alone) doing to get through this brutal weather?

To Solidarity!

Replies

  • neandermagnon
    neandermagnon Posts: 7,436 Member
    not in your situation... I live in Bahrain and I'm not currently depressed, but I have been through depression and it's not pleasant at all.... so here's some solidarity for you anyway, even if the situation is totally different
  • Nanba007
    Nanba007 Posts: 79 Member
    I am also from the Great Lakes area, we are so over the snow and cold. We have been trying to get all of our inside stuff done. As soon as the sun/warms days hit we are heading outside and no complaining of the heat. Hang in there we have less than 40 to go.
  • Pamela_in_Progress
    Pamela_in_Progress Posts: 197 Member
    I'm from the Great Lakes area as well, Canadian side. I'm feeling it as well. Very lethargic and my mood is quite low but I'm holding up alright. I just keep telling myself winter will be over soon and just hold on, spring is a coming! :smile:
  • Will_Run_for_Food
    Will_Run_for_Food Posts: 561 Member
    I'm with ya, sister! I'm in Ottawa and I too have found this winter particularly brutal, and it has definitely affected my mood. What I have tried to do is keep making things to look forward to (i.e. getting together with friends, visiting the parents). Keep yourself busy with fitness goals. Try to stay away from booze - it may put chase the blues away temporarily but it will only make it worse the next day. Find some good books to read. And while it may feel like forever away, spring IS coming and you will see green and hear the birds again!
  • JagerLewis
    JagerLewis Posts: 427 Member
    I'm in Michigan, and I just heard on the news that over this season alone, we have gotten over 6ft of snow. It's REALLY bumming me out that it's so cold and so white out. I don't have much to offer, But I feel your pain. I CAN NOT WAIT for it to get somewhat warm and sunny so I can start running again!
  • deannasueknutson
    deannasueknutson Posts: 38 Member
    I am in Wisconsin so I have been going through the same weather. I can't wait to get outside to run again. I would run outside but there is so much snow and ice that I rather avoid it. Right now I have to settle by running on the threadmill, which isn't quite the same.

    One way I do cope is that I have my outside winter hobbies. I go snowmobiling, snowboarding and sledding. That way I get out and about on those nicer days or even on those not so nicer days. I went snowmobiling last week when it was -5 degrees F. I had a blast. There are plenty of outdoor activies out there. I think snow shoeing would be cool to try at some point.
  • MizMiami305
    MizMiami305 Posts: 188 Member
    Im in miami... So yea no pain here! :D
  • yogioats
    yogioats Posts: 33 Member
    Also from the Great Lakes area. I haven't coped the best with winter this year. Recently I've refocused my attentions to make sure i'm eating well. I also have a countdown to spring I check. Today I was practically giddy because it was light out when I left work. Just remember that every day is a wee bit longer! :drinker:

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