Anyone else feeling SAD creeping in?

[Anonymous]

REALLY feeling it this week, already. It seems too soon!

[Anonymous]

My SAD is lifting, and it feels amazing.

I get it in summer - the long, hot days make me miserable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:REALLY feeling it this week, already. It seems too soon!

I just returned to DC from a sunny locale, OP, and I get it. Suddenly it feels like Fall and it’s 7pm and dark. Sob! I’ve had very bad SAD in the past so here’s what I’m doing (would love to hear others’ ideas):

Trying to get morning sunshine for the next couple of weeks. I’ll stop when it’s dark at 7am…ugh!

Not watching TV unless I’m moving. Squats, lifting light upper body weights, etc.

Hygge! I thought this morning: “I need to get the candles out.” I didn’t actually get them out but I will this w/e and I’ll embrace the cozy.

Up my Vit D, make sure my thyroid meds are optimized.

Not beat myself up in Dec/Jan/Feb when I sleep 10 hrs a night and barely move my body. Hibernation is a thing!

Hang in there, OP!

[Anonymous]

No- but I love fall. I love the cooler temps. I love the vibrant colors. I love all things apple and pumpkin. I love fall festivals. I love sitting by the fire at night. I love Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Hopefully there is something you can enjoy until spring.

[Anonymous]

Yes. It's so much worse this year than usual! I used to really love fall but each year I feel like my SAD gets more aggressive and I struggle more.

Something that helps: holiday lights or twinkle lights or whatever you call them. We are not religious (I'm actually Jewish) but I put up a bunch of the little white twinkle lights every year, all around the house. I stick them on bookshelves and drape them over picture frames and mirror. It helps! I don't wait until after Thanksgiving, just as soon as it starts getting dark earlier. I also have a couple little tree with LED lights on them and I stick those around the house too. It makes things feel cozy and bright even when it's cold and dreary outside.

It's like the more festive version of a SAD lamp.

[Anonymous]

I love fall. I love squash and pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters and hot chocolate.

I also get irrationally sad and depressed when I don't get enough sunlight. My job has me out the door before 7am and home at 4:45pm and I work in a room without windows (teacher with an interior classroom).

This year I ordered a new sun lamp and I am going to feel no shame in using it at work. I am no good to anyone if I am too depressed to function (or live).

[Anonymous]

Me too, OP. It was sudden - last week I had energy and this week I do not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. It's so much worse this year than usual! I used to really love fall but each year I feel like my SAD gets more aggressive and I struggle more.

Something that helps: holiday lights or twinkle lights or whatever you call them. We are not religious (I'm actually Jewish) but I put up a bunch of the little white twinkle lights every year, all around the house. I stick them on bookshelves and drape them over picture frames and mirror. It helps! I don't wait until after Thanksgiving, just as soon as it starts getting dark earlier. I also have a couple little tree with LED lights on them and I stick those around the house too. It makes things feel cozy and bright even when it's cold and dreary outside.

It's like the more festive version of a SAD lamp.

Agree on twinkle lights!

[Anonymous]

Yes. I hate the short, dark days of winter and fall is just a precursor.

[Anonymous]

I don't feel it until Christmas ends. I love this crisp fall weather and the leaves changing. I also love Thanksgiving and Christmas. It all hits me in January and I just want to hibernate until the end of February.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't feel it until Christmas ends. I love this crisp fall weather and the leaves changing. I also love Thanksgiving and Christmas. It all hits me in January and I just want to hibernate until the end of February.

Yeah it’s a little early to be feeling the winter blues..

[Anonymous]

I just read online (so don't know if it's true) that it takes vitamin d supplements 3 months to build up in your body, so start upping your vitamin d now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My SAD is lifting, and it feels amazing.

I get it in summer - the long, hot days make me miserable.

Same here. The oppressive heat and humidity is finally gone (and the hideous extended summer of 80+ degree September only made it go longer). Finally the first real beautiful weather in four months.

[jsteele]

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1160809.page