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For a long time, I have suffered from what is likely a mild to moderate form of seasonal affective disorder during this time of year, with some sadness/depression as we move from fall into winter. I have a rather strong dislike for winter, and as we head into it each fall it typically dampers my mood a lot. (Having a November birthday, then holiday drama with family between now and the new year doesn't help either). Some years are worse than others too, but so far this year I can tell I am starting to really feel it.
So I was wondering what others may do to help brighten their spirits. I have been searching for ways to try and put a more positive outlook on it to try and help it.
I make sure and take vitamin D3 (5000 IU) everyday. Previously my husband used some light therapy, but I'm not convinced it really did anything. I think the vitamin D has been more effective for him.
Move south- say to Florida. The further south you you go, the longer the days will be in the winter.
Move south- away from snow storms and dark, gray days.
Move to where the vegetation can be brighter and greener year round.
Move to where it does not feel like a northern winter .
Remove yourself from family drama. Some people know how to keep toxic people out of their lives by not interacting with them. Some people are drawn to the drama. By physically removing yourself from it by moving far out of state, it may be helpful to your emotional health.
Keep lots of lights on in your house- don't keep rooms dark.
That's what drove me out of Minnesota, wasn't the cold or snow, it was the clouds, SAD! And I never seemed to find a solution to it, perhaps I should have tried Vitamin D3, but it's doubtful if it would have done much good, looking up at those gray skies everyday!
I moved to a city with 300 days of full sunshine every day, but I still get depressed, at times, but at least I'm more happily depressed, not so suicidal!
You might want to try the Seattle forum where they have some threads on this topic!
For a long time, I have suffered from what is likely a mild to moderate form of seasonal affective disorder during this time of year, with some sadness/depression as we move from fall into winter. I have a rather strong dislike for winter, and as we head into it each fall it typically dampers my mood a lot. (Having a November birthday, then holiday drama with family between now and the new year doesn't help either). Some years are worse than others too, but so far this year I can tell I am starting to really feel it.
So I was wondering what others may do to help brighten their spirits. I have been searching for ways to try and put a more positive outlook on it to try and help it.
For a long time, I have suffered from what is likely a mild to moderate form of seasonal affective disorder during this time of year, with some sadness/depression as we move from fall into winter. I have a rather strong dislike for winter, and as we head into it each fall it typically dampers my mood a lot. (Having a November birthday, then holiday drama with family between now and the new year doesn't help either). Some years are worse than others too, but so far this year I can tell I am starting to really feel it.
So I was wondering what others may do to help brighten their spirits. I have been searching for ways to try and put a more positive outlook on it to try and help it.
I realized after last winter here in Michigan, that I suffer from SAD (funny how they cleverly created this name) and I go out of my way to engage in activities that make me happy! Also, I will be moving to California in the coming year or two so that I can live in a place where the weather is milder and the sunny skies are more regular that my home state.
Since you don't like the winters as well, have you given any thoughts to moving to another state that has no snow?
You will be happier if you get your mind off yourself and find ways to help other people. It is amazing how well this works. Do some charity work. Help your neighbor with something. You will be able to think of something.
Also, get outside as much as possible. Even in winter one can "bundle up" and go out in the cold. Being in nature is very healing.
D3, that is worth a try. Late fall and winter annoy me. It seems to fit how I feel this time of year.
I am fine in late Fall early Winter. For me, the real trouble starts in the middle of January through March. UGGHHH! Those are the worst months!
This year I am going to spend a few weeks in Florida. Ideally, I'd like to live there part of the year.
Light therapy never helped me. I am going to try the vitamin D.
I'm already dreading February.
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