2024 Support Thread For Those Who Hate Winter and Dark Nights

[IHateWinter2024]

I thought I’d start a support thread for those who despise winter and the dark evenings. I was diagnosed with SAD 11 years ago and I still struggle every year. I have a SAD lamp, SAD light bulbs etc but I never feel better until the light evenings start to come in again. I count down the days until the winter solstice when I know the days will slowly get longer. We’ve had zero summer where I am, endless rain and only a few days of hot weather.

I feel exactly the same. I fantasise about spending winters somewhere warm and pleasant. I would probably enjoy a cold, bright, crisp winter. It’s the grey, damp and endless rain that brings me down.

Me too! I'm single and always find the winter harder, it can be. Dry isolating stuck indoors every evening.

Count me in. The nights drawing in are making me anxious.

My husband died during lockdown in a winter month. The funeral director offered me a crematorium slot a fortnight after his death - 4.30, meaning that I'd be coming out of the chapel into the dark on my own.

I begged to delay so that I could get a morning slot. Luckily, my husband's son agreed with me. Mind you, neither of my husband's kids attended, so they weren't really in a position to refuse.

I felt a bit sad today as I realised that it was the end of summer, I think it because it’s not been a great this year just to many grey days and to wet. I don’t actually usually get sad about the autumn and winter in fact I quite like the Dark nights I put on the candles and fairy lights and make the most of it, but this year I’m just feeling that spring and summer were just so bad I’m not ready for winter. Also there seems to be so many bugs this year I just keep getting ill which has not helped.

If my mental health suffered to that extent, I'd consider moving somewhere sunnier, even if that was a little further south.

Would that be possible, OP?

Joining,

Also joining ….

Yes I hear you! Already the nights are drawing in a but and there's a strong hint of autumn in the air. I really struggle with lack of light, and rain makes me feel even worse. This last winter went on far longer than it should have, my mental health was really poor 🙁

Hate it anyway but I'm really dreading this winter. My Dad died in early summer and I'm really worried how my mum's going to cope with long dark evenings. She hates being on her own but she likes pottering in the garden in the evenings so I can see her going downhill.

I hear you! I'm already feeling down and full of dread, despite the SAD lamp, vitamins and attempts to do positive things

I’m spending as much time as possible dog walking and gardening. Anything to stay outside.

I’m taking vitamins (multi vit, iron, and high strength vitamin D).

I’m on antidepressants.

We are planning on having a warm holiday in January so there’s something to look forward to. We are doing that instead of buying each other Christmas presents.

I’m also planning on going to see the ballet, and having a spa evening with a group of friends. Having things to look forward to is important, but most winters I get the depression no matter what I do. Dreading the hour change.

I am starting to struggle now. Have absolutely no energy and constantly snacking on sugar. I’ve ordered myself a SAD lamp and am going to start eating a bit better. I’m terrible at remembering my vitamins so really need to start taking them.

It's too grim and grey for words. I'm off to bed with a trashy book and a hot toddy (for my cold, you understand).

I've struggled with SAD for years. This year I'm having my easiest year (so far). Combination of dedicated light box use, morning walks, no sugar and good old antidepressants.

My biggest issue at the moment is the physical exhaustion since the clock change. Does anyone have any tips - I've taken to drinking red bull to keep me going at work which seems like a terrible idea.

Hope everyone is doing okay- was nice to have sunshine today.

I'm not doing so well at the moment, but part of that might be that I'm on progesterone therapy for hyperplasia.

Struggling to get up in the morning, so that won't be helping. (I'm a widow, so I have no reason to get up these days.)

Shall try to get up at a decent time tomorrow. A pal is coming up to Scotland on holiday and we're meeting up in Ednburgh.

I go down every year, it can get crippling.

23/24 had barely any spring/summer (specifically sunlight) where I am so I feel like I’ve been in two years of winter, pretty much. I can do winter no problem if there’s some light, but it’s two years of grey blanket smog now.

Just working on leaving the country now, I’m done, I can’t live here.

I struggle too, I think perimenopause is making it worse as well. I got a SAD lamp just after Christmas and at first it really helped me, I noticed it made me feel better. Now I still use it but I still don’t want to get up. Also on antidepressants. It’s really hard not to let the grey weather in and depress my thoughts. Keep thinking I should have a mantra or affirmation to help but not sure what that would be. How is everyone getting on now we are almost out of January?

@redloulou42 I so hear you. I am also peri and the SAD and peri symptoms are so similar, they play off each other.

The SAD is getting worse and I am struggling to move in the mornings as the dark is really getting to me. I have the lamps, take the vits, try to have a routine but this year is the worst for me. I am on the verge of contacting my Dr for antidepressants.

But I have booked a few days in the (fingers crossed) sun for the week after next and that thought is keeping me going.

I really hope it helps, I certainly feel loads better in the sun. Thank you for sharing.