2023/24 SAD thread

[Idratherbepaddleboarding]

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!

@OrangeDino until then it was a fab party! It didn’t happen until almost midnight. The memory of leaning over my husband on the cold concrete, trying to comfort him while a handy doctor checked him over with the sound of Auld Lang Syne and party poppers went off in the hall (the band and lots of the part goers were unaware of what was going on fortunately) will stay with me for a long time.

I’d happily go to bed now but apparently a different police force are coming to take statements and couldn’t say when. I’m not sure why? Maybe because we’re on the boarder between 2 (3 actually but the ones that are coming are the furthest away ones). I hope they don’t come in police cars, that’ll be embarrassing!

Just wrote an empathetic post and lost it. Bloody phone. Sorry it was a ruined NYE but good it was not worse.

Not much to report, very dark here. About to order a takeaway.

On the good side, the work I have been catching up on is nearly done. On the other side....is more freedom. Not giving myself such ridiculously long hours etc. And making a plan of things ahead. All in good time though.

Someone mentioned up thread about indoor exercise. I bought a walking treadmill. It has been the best investment ever. I did about 30,000 steps working on my laptop with a desk riser the other day. I have actually got through christmas and lost about 1.5lbs.

It’s been lovely here today, I just haven’t seen much of it, makes a change from torrential rain though! Where we live is really flat and everywhere is flooded.

You don't be any chance live in Cumbria do you @Idratherbepaddleboarding just thinking of the incident at New Year!

Not quite but I can wave to Cumbria from across the bay 😊.

This never-ending grey! I think I am about to have a cry!

It’s rained so much here again today. The roads were really flooded driving home from work, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get back! It’s still raining hard and keeping me awake, plus going over and over NYE in my head 😭. I need sleeeep!

Hope you managed to get some sleep @Idratherbepaddleboarding and your DH is recovering. Often when the adrenaline disappears after events like that it all hits you so I hope you're feeling ok.

All very grey and miserable here. It didn't bother getting light at all yesterday. Plus I was back to work (wfh fortunately) and feeling ill so a rubbish day all round. No flooding here though fortunately (although to be honest, I didn't step foot outside yesterday so who knows what the world's like outside my street!).

@MistyTrains2 I was immediately inspired by your post to do lots of googling into walking treadmills. Sounds like a brilliant idea but I can't see how I would manage to walk and work at the same time without falling flat on my face!!😂 I think I'd get distracted with something and forget to walk!
I'm glad it's working for you though. 30k steps is amazing!

I was sure I’d replied this morning! I managed to fall asleep about half 1 @OrangeDino and then the dog woke me at 5 and it took a while to get back to sleep again but I was able to stay in bed til 8 and go to work a bit later as DS is still off school so I didn’t have to take him.

DH is very grumpy today and it’s hard work. I do get that he’s tired, very sore and probably starving as he can only eat liquid foods.

It’s been raining all day again here too and the flooding is getting ridiculous. The nights are getting a bit lighter though!

Does anyone else have Raynauld’s in winter? My hands are really suffering!

Woohoo no rain forecast!

Yeah!!!! 👏

OMG guys! My daffodils are shooting through the ground in the front garden, the first signs of spring! Let’s not talk about the fact that my daffodils are stupid and grow too early then get themselves blown over in the inevitable storms 🙈.

There is nothing better than spotting the first daffodils (even if they aren't very clever ones which may be battered by storms😂). I've been stuck in the house for the last week ill with covid but earlier today I spotted new buds on some plants in pots outside the window and it give me a real little lift.

@Idratherbepaddleboarding your hands look so sore. No personal experience of Raynauds but it always sounds horrid, and I get the impression there's not much you can do, so just sending sympathy.

@Idratherbepaddleboarding sorry, also forgot to ask if your DH is recovering.

Snowdrops. Teeny weeny baby heads in sheltered south-facing spots in my garden. Hoo bloody Ray

Quite low atm. Need to really pull myself together. Just muddling through.

Just muddling through is okay @MistyTrains2 . You don't need to put any pressure on yourself to be doing more. One day at a time.

My goodness, I am so glad to have found you and have spent some time yesterday going through your posts. What a lovely, warm group to find. I'm so sorry that so many of you have such tough times you're going through.

This past few years, it has felt like my wheels have fallen off. A combination of intense stress and anxiety, menopause, a new ADHD diagnosis for my middle child and I, and also SAD has meant the past few winters have felt tough. I'm doing so much better now, but it's still hard, and I have a lot of pressure on me to perform as we run a business, have a family and children to support, and overwhelm seems to be my default feeling.

I really hope I can join you?

Of course you can @BreathingDeep welcome 👋.

Sorry you’re struggling @MistyTrains2 . Please do consider medication if you need it, it’s changed my life!

That said, I feel a bit… I don’t know… restless today. I think it’s not having anything to look forward to in the near future and things feeling a bit samey.

Welcome @BreathingDeep . @MistyTrains2 I feel exactly the same Everything is a struggle and I feel as if I am not quite coping. Just please know you are not alone.

Sending warm wishes to all of you. This thread has been a blessing for me during the dark times xx

I have been all right for a few days, a week, more maybe - but bloody hell - this horrendous bitter cold!

I have anxiety for no reason but I think it's a physical response to the cold. Blech.

@anythinginapinch a hurrah for the snowdrops!

@MistyTrains2 and @lyingonthebeach and @EmmaEmerald sorry to hear you're all struggling. Just keep on keeping on.

@BreathingDeep of course you can join us. Welcome. Your situation sounds much like mine. Feeling like the wheels have come off is a good description. I just wish I knew how to get them back on!

I'm still physically unwell which is obviously not helping my mood. I have been re-reading 'Wintering' by Katherine May, and if any of you are up to reading I really recommend it. It feels like a warm hug of a book. A very soothing read at the minute.

Sorry I was just having a moan
im okay really

just pissed off at the weather

Im also trying to do the basics
I’m jealous of the people I see out for runs in the cold. I find it bad enough walking to the station!

I don’t think my meds are working but can’t face trying yet more. Also have to change doctors due to moving. So will just see what happens without them. Taking the approach of keeping life as simple as possible

sorry about all the health issues posters are having 💐

Urgh I felt good yesterday but today I’ve crashed and burned! I am grateful for the sunshine but I’m soooo cold.