to be spiralling into actual depression, because of the rain? Is that pathetic?

[sadpapercourtesan]

It's just been unrelenting, filthy grey skies and pelting rain, for days

It doesn't seem to have got light properly since at least last Thursday. I realised this morning (when I woke up and was assailed by black thoughts, always a warning sign) that I'm on the brink of a proper depressive episode. My tried and tested strategies for pulling myself out of it (going for a long walk in nature, meeting a friend for a chat, gardening) are all off the table. I can't settle to anything and am feeling tearful, short-tempered and panicky. I'd made an early start on gardening this year which I was feeling really positive about - now my trays of little plants and cuttings etc are drowning in the rain, and my garden is a mass of weeds.

It's a bit pathetic isn't it, to be falling into depression because it's raining? Is anyone else feeling this bad?

Why can't you go for a long walk? I have been out all day. A walk before lunch, home for a change of clothes, a walk after, home for a change of clothes, and out for a swim this evening.
I understand the weather getting you down, but honestly, it's not as bad once you are actually in it.

Yep.

I am forcing myself to go out big coat on and walk anyway in woods for shelter. If you can find a way to do that it helps a little bit. And tomorrow’s weather is a bit better apparently.

One of my teens schools has given us a revised plan for the next academic year; they are lengthening the October half term and shortening the summer holiday.

That really stopped me in my tracks this week as it confirmed in b&w how long the effects of Corona are going to continue to impact on us all; particularly for teens and young adults. I knew this rationally of course, but it really hit me emotionally and I have felt really low ever since. I'm taking a few days off work atm to try and get my mo-jo back. Walking in the rain isn't helping much! My dog is also disgusted by the weather

You’re not alone OP. I don’t suffer from depression or any mental health problems but I’ve definitely been feeling very flat this week because of the weather.

I absolutely live for the summer and sun and holidays and we have none of these things at the moment. I was really looking forward to seeing family this weekend but the weather is looking dire so the activity we had planned will likely be cancelled and I don’t much fancy sitting out in the rain!

I saw a news report this morning that said the sun will be back next week so I’m holding onto that for now.

I don't mind it at all as it's cool and comfortable. What I am really, really dreading is any VERY hot weather coming over the next 3 months. That's really making me anxious. Dreading it.

@Movinghouseatlast

Not just you. I'm feeling low because of the rain, cold and wind.

I haven't planted anything out yet. I'm finding it really hard to motivate myself to do anything at all.

I'm exactly the same. And yes, feeling rather pathetic that the awful weather can affect my mood to such an extent.

Our school wanted to lengthen the October one and shorten the summer hols and the parents said no ( pre covid)
I bet it's brought in now!

Having a dog saves me. However cold wet and miserable it is, he loves the walk... and I have to go with him.

A rainy walk is uplifting - because of his happiness and because of cussedly getting out there to rage against the elements.

(Having the right clothes and warm towels to return to helps :) )

@Chunkymenrock

I don't mind it at all as it's cool and comfortable. What I am really, really dreading is any VERY hot weather coming over the next 3 months. That's really making me anxious. Dreading it.

Me too! That heatwave last year was horrible! I hate it so much. Draining !

And next week - cafes will be open so you don’t have to be stuck in. I think that will help reduce the impact of the weather

Out of interest, what are schools hoping to gain by shortening the summer holiday but lengthening October half term?

I'm feeling it too. I'm in Scotland and I've had the hearing on! I've got dogs though so got to get out. It really lifts my mood being out even if it is cold and wet.
Roll on the warmth though, it's been cold for such a long time.

My thinking now is the schools hope to have the kids in the summer months more and less in autumn? Our parents didn't want it , but many schools in the area do this now.
they just break up the end of July rather than mid July I think.

Yanbu.
I need some hot weather to give my mood a boost.

I don’t know why people always need to come on these threads to moan about nice weather. We won’t even get 3 months of nice weather compared to over 9 months of absolute misery.

Feeling very anxious here, palpitations and higher heart rate than normal. We are supposed to be moving but it’s unlikely to happen now. And my favourite hen died yesterday.

I haven’t done any gardening because of the move but I might break out the seeds tomorrow.

Another one saying you can go for a walk in the rain. Just dress appropriately or take a brolly. As long as you know you won't be stuck in wet clothes after its actually lovely. Especially if you are near any woods.

I know that sport lifts my mood - always.

I know it's not the same, but you will benefit from getting out for fresh air and exercise even in the rain - just dress appropriately!

Is you local swimming pool open?

I have a few health problems that are exacerbated by cold weather. Usually by now, I’d be feeling by physically much better, which in turn would improve my mental health. It can be really draining to look out of the window day after day and see grey skies and to know that, whenever I leave the house, I’m going to end up drenched and miserable.

I like it nice. Not too hot, not too cold or windy just pleasant.
It never is though is it ?

A lack of vitamin D can make you feel like that too. Which you've prob got thanks to the miserable weather. Take a bit D supplement, it might help tide you over til the Sun returns

I’ve not been so down about it recently but in February time when it was relentless it really messed with my head. I live in the north west and it felt like for about 10 weeks there wasn’t a single day where it didn’t snow or rain.

I'm not depressed, but I am really noticing how much the weather is affecting my mood atm, probably because I've not got a lot else on! We had some work done in our garden a few weeks ago and I'm dying to get out there and finish off a few jobs, do some planting etc, but the only odd bits of sun we've had have been when I'm working, and the garden is half drowned. It's flipping grim.

I would just tog up and go for the walk anyway, if it was just rain - but it's been absolutely torrential, all day - I went for a walk up the garden to survey the damage and came in with my trousers sodden below the coat line, they're now drying on the radiator. I have dodgy knees which don't like to get cold and wet, and I don't have a pair of wellies at the moment either, so weeding in the wet is out.

I know, it sounds like excuses...but I just feel so fucking hopeless today.

I'm sure it'll heat up soon op! Then I'll start a ' it's too hotttt' thread for us hot weather haters.
Don't despair. Plus rain is a pain even though we do need it.
UK weather is always wrong.