SAD/ feeling low in winter support thread

[LadyCatStark]

Hi all, after reading some unhelpful comments on another thread where someone is struggling, I wondered if anyone would like to join me in a SAD support thread for anyone who is feeling low now that winter is coming, whether you have a SAD diagnosis or not.

Disclaimer: I know anyone can post anything they like on a public forum but please, out of respect for those of us who are really struggling, don’t come on this thread to tell us how much you love winter, hygge, snuggling, hot chocolate or twinkly lights or tell us that we’ll feel better if only we change our mindset.

Please feel free to share your feelings, good or bad, tell us about your day or share tips for things that help (or don’t). Hopefully we can all help each other get through this winter!

How is everyone? It’s been quite bright here in the SE.

I have been WFH and because of my knee injury I can’t walk as normal.

I made the effort to go and stand in the garden every hour to get some fresh air and daylight. I can’t bear the thought of being inside all day - stuffy and gloomy.

Not too bad thanks @PinkStink. I’ve had an upsetting day at work for reasons I can’t go into as it involves a vulnerable family and I’m not very careful about my identity on here! But I managed a lovely walk on the beach with my dog since I now had a space in my calendar which was lucky in a way because by the time I finished work, it was raining and so grey I felt all drowsy going to pick DS up from school which isn’t good.

I’m just waiting to pick DS up from army cadets and he was so excited before he went as he is getting his uniform tonight. I can’t wait to see him in it 🥰.

Sorry you had a bad day @LadyCatStark that sounds upsetting.

Aw bet D's looks very grown up in his cadets uniform!

@ShaneTheThird thanks, I know I need to detach a little but they’re a lovely family who don’t deserve to be going through shit.

DS does look ridiculously grown up, he looks like he was born to serve in the army, which is what he wants to do when he grows up.

How is your DH getting on?

Hope things improve for them soon :(.

Aw bless him they all look so sweet in their uniforms don't they

He seems ok today. Had a very scary panic attack last night and thought it was another heart attack. Was really scary. I had to work today and just got home after a nightmare of a day and all trains cancelled had to get a taxi. Was worried all day about him and he just sat on the computer all day lol. We have DSS tomorrow which I love him here but it's stressful as again I'm at work tomorrow it's relentless.

Hello all. I caught Covid too and it's been really nasty. DH had a really bad night on Monday but seems to have picked up a bit yesterday. It's been no fun being ill, looking after him and trying to keep the house running. DD10 has it too but is totally unaffected.

Funnily enough DH had a panic attack the other night too @ShaneTheThird. He used to get them quite frequently when he came out of the hospital after his transplant surgery. They are really scary at the time.

My quarantine last till Sunday and I'm really looking forward to going for a walk in the woods. My vitamin/SAD lamp routine has gone to pot but I'm going to try to remember to work on that. I am feeling better than a few days ago at least so going in the right direction.

Gosh quarantine, COVID and SAD. Sounds like hell

I am reading and taking note but I would just like to add arghhhhhhhhhh! I am stressed beyond belief and I want to lie down and read my book please. Or listen to a podcast.

Oh no hope you feel better really soon covid is horrible! Definitely don't over do it by doing the housework!

And @stilldumdedumming hope your ok and you get to listen to your podcast soon

What podcast is it?

My favourites right now are Parenting Hell and Older and Wider. Really cheer me up.

Another thought that has cheered me up is that now my kids are in secondary school I don't have to think about teacher gifts again.

I know I sound like a cow but honestly it was so stressful (I made it stressful for myself) worrying about who got what, and that it wasn't tat.

Is there any other ridiculous thing that has cheered anyone else up today?

I made a breakthrough in my Sanskrit study! I had some really hard grammar to crack but the penny has dropped.

Podcasts . I love more or less. I really like having stuff explained to me. I also love On being by Krista Tippett. It's a spiritual thing but no dogma. Really interesting conversations with very poetic and clever people. Always leaves me feeling hopeful and spacious.

I also suffer with SAD
Lately I've been making sure when it's nice weather to sit outside for 10 minutes or so.
I've also invested in an aromatherapy diffuser and although I'm skeptical about the effectiveness of this scientifically, it is lovely to have the house smelling of lovely smells.
I have a tendency to sleep late which doesn't help in winter!
I'm keen to see if anyone else has any tips or advice!

@PinkStink

What podcast is it?

My favourites right now are Parenting Hell and Older and Wider. Really cheer me up.

Another thought that has cheered me up is that now my kids are in secondary school I don't have to think about teacher gifts again.

I know I sound like a cow but honestly it was so stressful (I made it stressful for myself) worrying about who got what, and that it wasn't tat.

Is there any other ridiculous thing that has cheered anyone else up today?

A new scented oil for my diffuser! It's divine! Small but cheered me up

@Ulysses urgh that sounds tough!

@stilldumdedumming is there any way you can make time for yourself?

@PinkStink I’ve been cheered up by being due on my period (sorry for the TMI) and realising that I haven’t had PMT since starting Sertraline!

@BeeLock exercise is the number one thing for me other than Sertraline.

Sanskrit sounds really cool! That must be so tough to learn.

This week's been a challenge. I left work an hour early today because I've done two massive deliveries alone in a row in the 3 days back so I'm tired and stressed plus I have to look after DSS and dp. Tomorrow I'm off so have to call the cardiac Dr as we missed his call yesterday. Plus I need to phone for pip and sort that out.

On the plus side dp ordered that teddy duvet set so I've just put it on and it does feel really warm!

Hope you get the stuff done, @ShaneTheThird. I feel for you I really do. My doc signed me off with family stress for a couple of weeks when DH was in hospital. Is that an option?

DH had to go to docs last night as his Covid symptoms were not improving and thankfully he's gotten antibiotics now as he has a chest infection. I felt sick as well yesterday but think it's the stress of dealing with DH and having Covid too. I'm hoping for a better day. We had issues with the boiler as well but I managed to get it working.

Both the families I visited this morning had their Christmas decorations up! That’s a little early even for me but it got me in the spirit and I put Christmas music on in the car, which cheered me up. In the gap between appointments I googled “Christmas activities in Lancaster” and found a website that listed loads. I was surprised that there were so many lovely places in Lancaster that I hadn’t heard of. Then I clicked on one and it took me to their website and I noticed it was Lancaster, Pennsylvania 🙈😂🙈.

How's everyone?

I'm injured and paid one of my kids to do a load of household stuff for me whilst I rested at the weekend.

I then decided to draw up a list and do a 'pay per chore' arrangement.

One of my kids has really gone for it. The other isn't interested.

It has been so positive though. Hoovering, mopping, dog walking... all to a good standard and done without moaning. The jobs are there for the taking but not essential so it's a choice.

I now have a tidied house and a happy son (and very well exercised dogs!)

I’m good thanks @PinkStink how is your knee?

Am I the only person in the world whose favourite day is Friday? 😂 I have the most lovely families at work on Fridays and I take my dog to work with me and give him walks in different places which he absolutely loves. It also means I’m outside and walking in my lunch break instead of sitting in my car on my phone. Then we usually help out or go to an event at our village hall in the evenings but we’re not tonight, we’re having a night off!

My knee is bloody awful. Today is a hard day. One of my kids is in trouble at school and it all just feels crap because I can't run.

I'm tempted to take strong painkillers to sleep well but then I feel groggy in the morning.

Haven't had enough sun today

Oh no! Everything does feel a bit better when you can go out for a run doesn’t it?

Hello I'm still here just not good for proper posts at the moment. But I am reading and thank you to those that post. It does help

Hi everyone, I'm lurking too 🙂.

Hope everyone is OK, and having a good weekend. It's a bit grey here.

Hope you’re ok @stilldumdedumming 🥰.

Is it really @UnfinishedBunting? It’s the most stunning day here! It feels like summer, there’s not a cloud in the sky. I’ve just been our for an hour and a half dog walk in just a jumper (well and jeans) and was too hot 😵. If only it would stay like this, it would be perfect!

Hope everyones day improves and sorry to hear there's a few bad times for some. I got turned down for a promotion yesterday but have been told I'm next in line for it which is good :)