I get depressed every single winter. It starts in November and tends to really ramp up in January (this year it’s ramping up early) and doesn’t lift until early April. I am sick of living like this!
I also feel vaguely unwell in the winter. Tired, heacachey. I take a really high quality multivitamin, so I get vitamin D etc. I also spend a good amount of time outdoors all year round because of the sport I do.
Did anyone else feel like this and decide to move away??? Where did you go?
Whether you're considering emigrating or an expat abroad, you'll find likeminds on this forum.
Living overseas
The English winter makes me depressed every year. Did anyone move because of it? Where?
Winterhater7 · 04/12/2023 10:26
Isheabastard · 04/12/2023 12:09
As I’m reading your post I’m sitting in front of my big and very, very bright SAD lamp. It comes out in October and I use it til March.
I take vitamin D all year. I believe I read that the strength of the sun in winter is not enough to top up your vit D levels, you are living on your reserves. Getting out in the fresh air is still good though.
Also the darker complexion you are, the higher levels you need. It’s worth googling. I think I read that in Scandinavia they put sad lamps in the overhead lightning in schools etc. I have what’s called a sallow complexion, I tan easily and don’t burn.
I always dream of a tropical island, lush forest, white sand, azure sea and bright blue sky. I fancy the sound of the pensioners meet-up every winter.
When I can spend all day in the garden in the middle of summer I always feel energised, like you do when you’ve had a really, really good nights sleep.
I can’t recommend a SAD lamp highly enough. Buy a good one though, I think Lumie do the best. I think I spent about £100 on mine many years ago. I had to replace the bulbs as they grew less bright. I wouldn’t be without it.
ndeplume · 04/12/2023 12:22
I have name changed for this!
I was a real hater of winter
This is my third winter just south of the Loire, in France. I didn't move for climate reasons, but to be near family after my OH died. I moved from SE of the UK.
The climate is not tropical at all, but snow is rare and as the average temperature is higher everything stays greener all winter. Being on Central European Time it is light later in the evenings which makes a HUGE difference to me. Last Saturday, a lovely clear sunny day, there was still light in the Western sky at 1800H. Yes, it doesn't get light until 0800H but as I am retired it doesn't make much difference to me.
And summer is pretty much guaranteed to be warm/hot so you know you have good weather ahead.
Easier winters were not part of reason for moving but they have made a huge difference to me.
Sourisblanche · 15/12/2023 10:43
Yes OP I feel like this. Moving next year to Mediterranean coast (if all goes to plan).
We’ve lived overseas before and a warm/hot Christmas was fine. Kids enjoyed the novelty of being in the pool on Christmas Day!
I did miss grandparents but they’ve sadly gone now.
Ternbeach · 14/12/2023 14:02
I changed my outlook on winter and that made such a huge difference to me. Get outside every day, I go running a lot more in winter than summer. And make sure I go for a longish walk at least. Enjoy the change in scenery - I love January when the snowdrops come up, then the daffodils. Living overseas actually made me realize we have quite mild winters compared to many places, although everyone in the UK seems to think we have it the worse! Although where in the uk are you op as obviously this can make a difference to how much sunlight/ rain you get.
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