Please or to access all these features

Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

2023/24 SAD thread

428 replies

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 13/10/2023 12:34

Hi again, I’m back for another year ☹️. I can’t see that anyone has started a SAD thread yet but today seems to be the day that it’s really kicking in! So here’s another thread to support each other through winter 🥶.

Just to introduce myself, I have regular depression with SAD on top, an eating disorder and ASD (a fun combination).

All are welcome, the only rule is no one is allowed to mention, hygge, snuggling or being cosy!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
11
lyingonthebeach · 04/12/2023 08:21

It's so dark and grey and depressing this morning! I actually want to cry. And then take my cup of tea back to bed with a packet of hobnobs. The last think I want to do is go outside and drive to work to spend the day with people who are all bright and jolly!

OrangeDino · 04/12/2023 12:03

It's so grim isn't it? Our snow is melting away to slush in the rain and it's hardly bothered getting light today. I'm suffering with some strong ba humbug feelings too now. I just don't have the energy for it all.

MistyTrains2 · 04/12/2023 12:52

I am full on humbug. I didn't sleep well. I have been trying to gradually reintroduce better food. I developed a boil under my armpit. I went to the gym and did a half hearted work out. Oh and I came on. I've never been so low with PMT. Admittedly I also had the worst week of my life ever at work.

I feel like one of those comedians with a really depressing dry sense of humour. Sort of tragic comedy. I refuse to be in a good mood.

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 04/12/2023 16:34

It’s horrible isn’t it? I’ve had my SAD lamp on all day at work and luckily my colleagues like it. In fact I think some are going to buy one!

OP posts:
MistyTrains2 · 04/12/2023 18:26

Yeah I am literally with mine on all day, just to feel normal. Obviously at the weekend I did not have it on as was not sat working all day, hence why feeling like shit today. I do now feel slightly better having had it on all day.

I'm wondering maybe I will take it in the office tomorrow too. Not a bad plan.

MistyTrains2 · 04/12/2023 18:27

The amnesia of this every year. I feel so wronged! 🤣

MistyTrains2 · 04/12/2023 18:28

Also I buggered a hamstring so stopped running in September. That was a real downward point.

EmmaEmerald · 04/12/2023 18:29

I feel as I've been asleep all day. Just had a third coffee. I normally have one (they are quite weak).

MistyTrains2 · 04/12/2023 18:32

I actually think vitamin D has to start after 21st July, or by beginning of August. To maintain the level.

Is anyone here red headed? I read that red heads actually produce their own vitamin D. I am not red head but freckles and of reddish tint. I wonder if something goes on with this. If it was permanently not that sunny we would adapt but it is the fact it is sunny for 6 months that spins our system.

MistyTrains2 · 04/12/2023 18:35

@EmmaEmerald I have been on about 5...normally one in the morning! I know it isn't massively helping as it short circuits my focus. I do need to cut down but that's another thing to feel anxious about at the moment.

The only good thing is I trained really hard in the gym over the summer and am seemingly able to sustain eating a higher level of rubbish without gaining too much weight at the moment. Although half a stone went on from September.

I'm waiting for the outcome of something and once I have it I am going to give everything a kick up the butt and try and come at the SAD from more angles. I think cardio is the key really but I just want to be a slug.

EmmaEmerald · 04/12/2023 18:38

MistyTrains2 · 04/12/2023 18:28

Also I buggered a hamstring so stopped running in September. That was a real downward point.

Ah, that's a nightmare, I'm sorry. Is swimming a possible option?

CalmConfident · 04/12/2023 18:38

Joining you. The rainy miserable weather seems to have kicked my SAD off with a vengeance the last couple of dsts….i was too slow getting the lamp out 😳

EmmaEmerald · 04/12/2023 18:44

I lost half a stone in summer, mostly through stress hormones but have gained 10lb in the last month.

I do know I've got to do something but just feel like it's survival mode till Jan now. Coffee doesn't suit me but I am finding the mad half hour I get from it to be a way to get quite a lot done.

lyingonthebeach · 04/12/2023 19:04

You ARE my people! Thank you and so sorry that you suffer too.

Back soon.

EmmaEmerald · 04/12/2023 19:08

Yawning despite third coffee. Plops.

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 04/12/2023 20:07

I live on the north of England so we definitely don’t get 6 months of sun 😭 especially this year!

OP posts:
eighbell · 04/12/2023 20:09

Uh I’m in.

at least I’m assuming it’s the weather because I’m not normally low… your OP struck a chord.

NotanotherboxofFrogs · 04/12/2023 20:10

Another day I haven't wanted to get out of the bed. I'm like a sloth at the moment.

Appointment arrived for psychiatrist next week for general review. Just started folic acid as levels were too low again.

Was supposed to go to local Christmas lights switch on but couldn't face getting dressed into real clothes and going out in the cold.

EmmaEmerald · 04/12/2023 20:47

Okay, the coffee kicked in, tidied up and got rid of some paperwork.

@NotanotherboxofFrogs yes, those things are appealing in theory but in reality, not so much.

I take folic acid sometimes, just started again this week. Heard it's good for the brain...mine needs all the help it can get atm!

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 05/12/2023 08:01

Urgh it’s another miserable day here 😭.

@NotanotherboxofFrogs we did go to our village Christmas lights switch on as we volunteer in the village and had to help serve drinks and cakes etc. I wasn’t going to go but DH said there weren’t enough helpers (by the time I got there, there were too many 🙈). I put on an extra pair of fleecy leggings, and extra jumper and I already had 2 pairs of socks on and I still couldn’t feel my toes. It was nice enough but didn’t feel very festive in the rain!

OP posts:
EmmaEmerald · 05/12/2023 12:54

Today's not as bad as yesterday where I am

I feel better today so that's something

Tomorrow is going to be bitter again apparently.

LittleBowSheep · 05/12/2023 14:51

Yesterday was awful, just grey, grey and more grey. I really struggled with it

Today is better, the sun is out and trying its best. It's bitterly cold but personally I think that's a fair trade off to have a bit of sunshine.

EmmaEmerald · 05/12/2023 15:11

So, so stupid

Went out
Missed a Royal Mail tracked delivery which they didn't tell me was coming, or I'd have stayed in

Will they try again tomorrow?

Now just tired, cold, hungry and pissed off. I must remember it's always bad advice to go out in winter!

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 05/12/2023 18:11

@EmmaEmerald did they not leave a card? Usually Royal Mail leave it at a post office, which is annoying!

OP posts:
EmmaEmerald · 05/12/2023 18:19

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 05/12/2023 18:11

@EmmaEmerald did they not leave a card? Usually Royal Mail leave it at a post office, which is annoying!

The message said they'll try again tomorrowBut the app says the next option is Thursday

Royal Mail are so bad now, I really wish companies would stop using them.

I knew I'd ordered something - obvs 😂 - and had a tracking number, but when I left the flat, the app was saying it wasn't even in the county yet,

I really hope they try again because the depot is miles away - but the neighbours have had issues and gone to the depot, only to be told their stuff has been sent back to the sender.

It's so cold I'll probably just be in tomorrow and Thursday. Going out was such a bad idea, I was in a good mood this morning as well, spoiled that. Think tomorrow will be icy too.

I'm very grateful not to be trekking to the station every day in this weather though. Or sitting in a freezing office with blow heaters.

A few people ran past me in jogging gear, short sleeves etc, wish I was made that way.