Winter Blues - Fellow Sufferers

[House of Tea]

I always get melancholy this time of year. It’s not the cold, it’s the dark nights. Tonight after work I went for a walk. I felt really sad that in a few weeks at that time it would be pitch black. It’s the curtailment of life. That’s an exaggeration but that’s what it feels like. My husband has got really morose about it too - he gets really down January and Feb, that is when I start to perk up because we have had the shortest day and I know Spring is coming. It is the run up to Christmas I get really down.

What do you all do to lift your spirits if this is not a great time of year either?

I do try and get out in the fresh air as much as possible, no matter the weather, and preferably in nature. But any other tips on how to get through it. I don’t want to wish my life away but I can’t wait for Spring already.

 

[Suzesnooze]

I feel exactly the same.

 

[LaBlonde]

i’m sorry

is it the darkness and early nights that get you down? have you tried light box therapy? i have a friend who lives in iceland and struggles this time of year because they go into permanent dusk - she and her friends/family swear by light boxes and light therapy. i think you can get options in the uk from amazon etc, though i’m not sure how much they would be!

 

[House of Tea]

i’m sorry

is it the darkness and early nights that get you down? have you tried light box therapy? i have a friend who lives in iceland and struggles this time of year because they go into permanent dusk - she and her friends/family swear by light boxes and light therapy. i think you can get options in the uk from amazon etc, though i’m not sure how much they would be!

Yes, my OH and I got one. We used it every day last years, still felt downcast! Can’t imagine living in Iceland. I would have to move.

 

[shadowcat5]

I do struggle in winter but for the most part I just try to take it day by day. I know it sounds so stupid but I know it’ll be over soon and I’ll be whinging about the hot weather so I just try to enjoy the little things like snuggly clothes and the good tele that’s on this time of year. It’s hard when it’s dark in the morning and dark when I come home and I hate the cold (!) but I just try to enjoy the small stuff and cling onto those

 

[LaBlonde]

Yes, my OH and I got one. We used it every day last years, still felt downcast! Can’t imagine living in Iceland. I would have to move.

i don’t think i could either, and i generally love autumn/winter.

i just dropped her a message and she mentioned some tips on mind, it may not be as “serious” as SAD but this does list a few ideas:

What self-care can I do for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Read tips and ideas for self-care you can do if you have seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

www.mind.org.uk

Six self-help tips for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Fatmata Kamara, Specialist Nurse Adviser at Bupa UK, explains what seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is and shares some of the things you can try to help deal with SAD this winter.

www.bupa.co.uk

i feel for you - i have the same feelings but backwards (in that i struggle in the summer!) - it’s tough knowing you have weeks of it, hopefully it gets better for you and your husband

 

[Snowjoke]

I know this might sound silly but look into taking vit d in the winter months, it can really help with this.

 

[House of Tea]

I know this might sound silly but look into taking vit d in the winter months, it can really help with this.

I have done for last few years. I notice better energy when I take it.

 

[Mamacita]

I'm the same, doesn't help that this summer was very mediocre where I live so don't even feel I enjoyed the sun and warmth as much. Feeling pretty down. I try to get out for a walk at lunchtime and will have to probably do this more when it starts getting dark even earlier. Getting some sun or at least daylight in first half of the day is good.
I think supplementing vitamin d also helps.

Don't have any more tips so here for it of anyone does!

 

[Buffy]

I always get melancholy this time of year. It’s not the cold, it’s the dark nights. Tonight after work I went for a walk. I felt really sad that in a few weeks at that time it would be pitch black. It’s the curtailment of life. That’s an exaggeration but that’s what it feels like. My husband has got really morose about it too - he gets really down January and Feb, that is when I start to perk up because we have had the shortest day and I know Spring is coming. It is the run up to Christmas I get really down.

What do you all do to lift your spirits if this is not a great time of year either?

I do try and get out in the fresh air as much as possible, no matter the weather, and preferably in nature. But any other tips on how to get through it. I don’t want to wish my life away but I can’t wait for Spring already.

I could have written this myself !

Sorry you feel like this, not sure I have any tips but just want to say I get it, and your not alone xx