Struggling so much with the endless grey dark weather

[Tipsandtricks22]

Its making me miserable. Its not uncommon for me to feel like this in the winter and at the beginning I really tried to be more positive about it and prevent it getting to me but today, the house is literally dark because its just completely grey and horrible and overcast outside. In a way I'd prefer if it was pelting down with rain, at least I like the sound of rain. I get that I live in England but as I'm unable to move to the Canary islands, how to I stop it making me feel so depressed?

I’ve read a few books on wintering, hygge and sacred seasons by Kirsty Gallagher. This has transformed how I approach winter to the point I’m looking forward to it. I decorate the house from season to season and change my activities accordingly.
I plan to do lots of snuggling down, reading, journaling on what I hope to start in spring, cross stitch, fire on, twinkly lights, candles, hot food, long dog walks looking at nature wintering and spotting the first signs of spring. As humans we are meant to slow down at this time which can be uncomfortable for some but if you can, it makes it so much easier rather than wishing for sunny days. If it is uncomfortable, maybe try to work through a few things.
For the last few weeks of autumn I’m also going to sort a few bits around the house to get ready for my hibernation after Christmas.

Plan a nice walk at the weekend

I'm not so keen in summer either, too hot and I wilt like the flowers 😂

In summer, I go out early morning and late evening. In winter I go out at lunchtime.

Goldilocks sun - just right 🌞

Don’ worry op! The budget around the corner will cheer you up 😂

Seriously though, I found SAD lamps useless and no amount of ‘put your coat and wellies on and jump in puddles’ works for me.
So I book a winter holiday now, leaving January/February time and jet off for a couple of weeks somewhere warm and sunny. Somewhere I can use my paddleboard and sunbathe and relax. I find that helps beat the Winter Blues.

OP, sorry if already answered this but do you do hobbies in the evening? We only live in a small town but there is so much going on. I dont know half of the activities going on (as usually im cooking dinner/sorting laundry) but friends of mine without ties are out several evenings a week.

I’d look into joining clubs or local sports centre - yoga, swimming, gym. Something to get the endorphins going. Any walking/running clubs near you?

I think it was a very balanced post and very helpful. As someone who also gets low during darker months there had to come a point where I did everything I could to improve my own situation and try to practice acceptance - I can't change the seasons.

This is my second winter since losing my mum to cancer. We lived together so I'm now living alone. Acceptance really is key.

Same. SAD lamp in the morning and I open my blind and do my makeup with the fake sunlight. I get out in the sun every opportunity I have

Crunching through leaves makes me want to scream. They either slow down my running as I'm worried about slipping or I'm trying to make sure I don't tread in dog poop.
I just tell the council to clear the sodding footpaths all the time.

I also think that poster was unhelpful and I completely understand how you feel when everything is grey and dark.

However, it’s also not right to talk about ‘boomer mentality’. Just because people are of a particular age (and actually ‘boomer’ covers 20 years) does not mean they all have the same mentality, thoughts and beliefs.

I suffer from SAD. I’m a little better this year at the minute, probably due to the fact that on the whole, it was a very good spring and summer.

I guess I tell myself that it is just “that time of year”.

The dark is my biggest problem, I just try and get out in the daylight whenever I can and especially if it is a nice day!

Embracing all the “cosy shit” does fuck all to help me. Just tell yourself this will pass!

I think that the U.K is one of the worst countries in Europe to live in.

Horrible weather for six months of the year -is just one of the reasons.

Op, do you get outside for an min of 20 minutes everyday? It’s quite important in the winter, especially if one is prone to SAD.

You may have tried all of this but really leaning into the whole "cosy season" vibe helps me. Candles, fairy lights, blankets, hot chocolate, a bit of home baking, soup making and so on. Its also important to stay active and be healthy but winter is a season and if we go with it rather than fight it we can find a way to appreciate it. I also really recommend this book Wintering: The life-changing Sunday Times bestseller: Amazon.co.uk: May, Katherine: 9781846045998: Books

Being a “cosy wanker” doesn’t help people with SAD. Stew is minging but if people like it, there’s nothing stopping them eating it year round! Same with hot bloody chocolate.

I know we are now past that point in the year but I am feeling the urge to shove a pumpkin up the arse of the next “cosy wanker” who comes along!

I know we are now past that point in the year but I am feeling the urge to shove a pumpkin up the arse of the next “cosy wanker” who comes along!

It makes me stabby. Blankets, hot chocolate, twinkly lights. Just no.

Most of northern Europe is horrible for 6 months of the year. I went to Denmark at the beginning of September last year and it pissed it down during what was a beautiful sunny weekend in the UK. I lived in Lyon, France for 6 months over winter and have never been so cold in my life.

Get one of those sun lamps. My aunt suffered from SAD and they helped a bit.

@paddyclampster I disagree. Embracing the season as much as possible rather than fighting it can be helpful for some. If you say to yourself how miserable and grey it is day in and day out, you are eventually going to feel miserable. Replace the negative with something you find positive and it can make a massive difference (basic CBT technique). What is positive will vary from person to person. Just because something doesn’t float your boat, doesn’t mean that it’s not helpful for someone else. For some, it will take a lot more and even medication for SAD.

Also @Tipsandtricks22 I don;t know how old you are, and whether you are having other symptoms, but I am coping so much better now I'm on HRT.

Yes I said the weather is only one of many reasons why I think the UK is worse.

For example, Poland gets very cold in Winter. However, every time I visit Poland I have a great time because the people are so friendly and kind.

A lot of peoplr are not friendly and kind in the UK. The UK is not a culture that has a lot of kindness I find.

So the UK has shit weather, and also a lot of cold and unfriendly people in it

It is a recognised mental health condition, and some people are affected to a very serious degree. I think people who lack empathy might be the ones needing to grow up a bit.

I don’t believe humans were designed to slow down in winter! There was no snuggling down even in my grandparents time. You’ve always had to work even harder in winter.

I too hate this weather, but have tried to embrace it with:

Blankets
Nicely scented candles
Crumpets toasted with butter
Interesting books

It's not so bad. Lean into it and go out once a day.

Wow. Why stay then?

what strength Vit D are you all taking? Is 4000 per day too much?