Mental health decline this time of year

laralou28 · 2022-10-21T08:36:03+00:00

Hi I'm noticing a pattern every year where it gets to this time of year and my mental health starts declining and I turn into a bit of a hermit and want to hibernate. I guess it's due to lack of sunshine but anyone else feel like this and got any remedies to help? I'm also 31 weeks pregnant so don't want to feel this way when I have so much to look forward to (altho this pregnancy has been very difficult) Thanks X

JudgeRindersMinder · 21/10/2022 09:42

Can you get hold of a UV light box and a sunrise alarm clock? I’ve suffered from SAD for years and find these really help me. Whilst the daylight is on the decline, make sure you get outside every day too. I take a daily vitamin D supplement too, but obviously speak to your midwife before you take any supplements.
I appreciate not everyone can do it but we also have a week in Tenerife in December to get a last blast of sunlight before the really short days set in.We did it pre kids and when they were pre school, then started doing it again 3 years ago now they’re grown up and this has made the single biggest difference to me, and it really carries me through

It absolutely sucks being affected like this, and I feel what I can only describe as a physical craving for light, we’ve actually reconfigured our house and getting more light in has been a major consideration in how we did it!

Original poster

laralou28 · 21/10/2022 13:10

JudgeRindersMinder · 21/10/2022 09:42

Can you get hold of a UV light box and a sunrise alarm clock? I’ve suffered from SAD for years and find these really help me. Whilst the daylight is on the decline, make sure you get outside every day too. I take a daily vitamin D supplement too, but obviously speak to your midwife before you take any supplements.
I appreciate not everyone can do it but we also have a week in Tenerife in December to get a last blast of sunlight before the really short days set in.We did it pre kids and when they were pre school, then started doing it again 3 years ago now they’re grown up and this has made the single biggest difference to me, and it really carries me through

It absolutely sucks being affected like this, and I feel what I can only describe as a physical craving for light, we’ve actually reconfigured our house and getting more light in has been a major consideration in how we did it!

Thanks so much for your reply. I actually have one of those boxes I will have to dig it out. I don't think it helps I'm anemic at the moment too but before pregnancy I always get the same this time of year down depressed and hopeless. Good to know I'm not alone. I will definately consider going away in winter too hubby will also be up for that 😊 I'm sure I can get a pregnancy supplement that has vitamin d Thankyou

OP posts:

mrsdiddlydoo · 23/10/2022 09:38

You could see it as hiding or just that autumn is a time for reflection and kind of stocking up to make sure you have enough in the tank to get you through winter.

I'm definitely feeling similar though. I'm trying to make sure I keep on top of my vit d and getting outside once a day to see the leaves change colours. Like the good pretty bits of this time of year.

Might be a bit of nesting and your body sending more signals for rest than usual too. Congratulations on your pregnancy. Don't beat yourself up for needing rest. We're all so guilty of that!