The 2014 SAD / Holiday Depression Discussion Thread

a reply to: sarra1833

WOW, thank you for that. You remind me of a dear old friend I've know for about 44 yrs.
She is the sweetest soul. I call her my sis, she is MUCH closer than my blood sisters.
She always tells me I need "Steve" time.
You get an E-hug....(((HUGS)))
And you have taken the time to answer all with the same caring. You give me hope in humanity.
It was my pleasure meeting you!

Thank you Hefficide, for keeping the home fires of the heart burning bright and alive here on ATS this season.

I am doing alright this season, although I just came through a rather difficult and trying period of personal trial. I'll be ok, but I'd just like to remind those who are able and in a position to help others out this year through a charitable donation of anything from a smile to warm blankets or some hot food to please help those who are still in positions of transition out there in the real world.

Thank you for opening your hearts during this time of year if you are able and in a position to do so.

*Hugs for the ATS Community! Hang in there!*

a reply to: whyamIhere

Thanks for the laugh.
I love Seinfeld.
Newman.............

originally posted by: GENERAL EYES

I am doing alright this season, although I just came through a rather difficult and trying period of personal trial. I'll be ok, but I'd just like to remind those who are able and in a position to help others out this year through a charitable donation of anything from a smile to warm blankets or some hot food to please help those who are still in positions of transition out there in the real world.

*Hugs for the ATS Community! Hang in there!*

^^^ This for emphasis!!! Helping others is a GREAT way to feel good about onesself!!!!

a reply to: rickymouse

Makin' me hungry, there, Rickymouse.

Now I must go eat all the things.

a reply to: stosh64

Anytime, friend. I put myself in others' shoes and though I know life can be brutal, it's all in how we choose to look at it and how we choose to deal with the bad, and how long we choose to let the negatives in life stay with us. I do my utmost to be as understanding, caring, giving and loving as I can be; it only breeds a chain event of the same passed to others by others and that is what the world needs to have and remember.

Caring and compassion, love and respect is still out here in this world. Life is hard - but even the smallest of optimism and hope ultimately goes harder. Hope that makes sense.

a reply to: sarra1833

Perfect sense and thank you. You brightened my day.

I will try and pay that forward.

a reply to: stosh64

I am ALL about paying things forward. To me that is one of the most priceless and selfless gifts to do.

Vitamin D really works for me. The difference between my ass dragging and having OK days is vitamin D. It doesn't work for everyone.

a reply to: intrepid

I hear tell Vit D is a good help for SAD in some cases. I figure anything is worth an honest try: SAD lights, Vit D, trying to get out into the sun as long as one can during the days. SAD can be crippling to the mind and soul. I fight it every Winter, especially being an 11pm to 7am worker during the week. I do my best to sleep soon as I get home and wake around 2 to 3 pm so I get some sunlight, then on weekends I flip my schedule fully to get full weekend sun time. Makes Monday nights hard as I usually get 2 hrs sleep but that's a small price for my health and sanity.

I think I'm sane, at least, hehe.

I moved from further North in Europe (and also used to live near Chicago, CHICAGO WINTERS...:ARGH!!) to sunny Spain.

Now, we literally have no seasons any more, sunshine all throughout the year.

I miss fall & winter!!

Just saying that everything has a positive and negative side. Further up north you may suffer from SAD due to lack of sunshine...and here you may become "sad" because you miss cool seasons like fall and winter

Thanks to those who left me kind words. Know that mine are with you all as well.

Between all of us, we will make it through alright.

Here's something to get a jump on for tomorrow....



Turkey and bacon? Silver lining? Maybe just a little?

a reply to: Kangaruex4Ewe

I think I'm going to have a heart attack just looking at that! lol

It does look good though.

I had no idea what Seasonal Affective Disorder was until reading it in your OP and then looking it up. I hate to say it, but I actually think I may have this. I get into a funk about the same time every year and it lasts until just before spring and then I am fine again. I had no idea there was actually a name for it.

I have tried working out more, tanning, vitamins, and nothing really seemed to make it go away.

a reply to: Hefficide

well hopefully Hefficide, you will not forget to eat a meal today.



happy thanksgiving to you... x

The strangest thing for me, is the symptoms of SAD happen around May and November each year. I've worked it out it's a combination of past trauma and weather. It's not the winter that makes me blue (Winter here is June to August and is one of my favourite seasons), it's the heat, the horrid horrid heat that hits me for 6 and I feel useless and worthless and can't do as much gardening outside that I want to.

Having said that - yes, it can be hard to get out and get some good old vitamin D on your skin when the weather is cold and dreary, but every bit helps!

Big happy Aussie hugs to you all!

And looking forward to pictures of Turducken!!! (wrapped in Bacon of course)

Understood. I'm pulling myself up by the bootstraps here to make sure my mood stays up for my teenagers. I have major depressive disorder, but it gets worse in the winter. Hubby built me a lightbox that is next to my computer, I think it's time to find the extension cord for it. Think I'll try the vitamin D, that sounds like a good idea.

This year has been and will be harder than most. My mom (my bestest friend) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the beginning of September. (She died on my dad's - her ex-husband's birthday. Still trying to figure out if that was a joke on him or if he considered it a bday gift.) We thought we would have another 15+ years from her due to her genetics & the fact she took care of herself. She also had MDD, and I spoke to her 2-3x week. I'm feeling a little, ok a lot, lost here. And I'm very worried about my stepdad. He had been married to my mom for 34 years and they were never apart. He's 9 hours from here, stubborn about getting medical care when needed, and he hasn't responded to emails for 3 days. I went up about a month after mom passed to sort through mom's personal items and to help him get all the finances straightened up. (Mom took care of all of that.)

Only thing helping me keep it all together so far is keeping busy. Between my kids' activities, I've been volunteering where possible. I made six costumes for our high school play (that was fun!). Daughter and I are making fun hats for all the members of her high school soccer team. Then we're moving into baby blankets for a Christmas NICU project. But when it stops, when there's quiet, that's when it all starts hitting me.

Wow, that was more than I intended, but I feel strangely better.

a reply to: Hefficide

Yes, heff, thank you for this thread. personal circumstances have isolated me for a growing number of recent holidays and its difficult to look forward when some nights leave you feeling like you live on an island. Part of the reason holidays don't mean much to me anymore.

a reply to: Hefficide

I'm getting divorced. It's a very long story, but my wife is leaving me. So, I'll be away from my children this Christmas. I'm not looking forward to that. I have them for Thanksgiving at least.

I found a divorce support group to hang out with on Christmas and New Years. That will help.

a reply to: TzarChasm

Believe me when I say that I can directly relate in a very sincere way. I spent several years in total isolation from the world, basically in a state of agoraphobia. A very important relationship in my life had ended badly and I lost all self-esteem as it did.

It took me a very long time for my distorted image in the mirror to start to clear for the better.

I wish I knew the right words to help, but when I was there no words anyone spoke to me did anything for me. Just know that you're not the only one and that it does get better. It might take time, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Make it a point to do something special for yourself tomorrow. Even if it's a little thing. Just a moment to remind yourself that you do matter!