On September's door

So it is coming up to September and the beginning of Autumn in the UK, how is everyone feeling?

I am feeling pretty rough, this poor summer has really taken it's toll on me, and am considering going back on to medication before September even hits.

How is everyone else dealing with things?

Hope you are well.

Adam.

Well guys, I started taking my meds again last week, been on them for five days now after a 4 month break. Have tried to leave it as long as possible but I know in my heart of hearts that I should have been taking it before now. So I am hoping to feel a bit better soon.

Hi all,

The sun's shining today but it really has been an awful summer. Yes, let's hope for a nice Indian summer in September.

I haven't got my lightbox out yet but I think I'll definitely start needing it over the next couple of weeks.

At this time of year I always get the urge to go into hibernation and just leaving the house is a bit difficult at times. However, I find that exercise is key and just walking a mile or two every day really does make a difference.

Also, talking to others on the forum can be a real help, even just to show that you're not alone, so don't despair and keep posting!

I'm also feeling self isolating lately. Seems like this board is the only place I feel at home. I feel pretty good in the mornings, and I've been making myself get out and walk for an hour in the early morning, but the good effects of the walk seem to wear off rather quickly, and by noon I'm ready to eat bread and potatoes and go back to bed.....Have also been having spells of feeling hot and then cold. Does anyone else go through this? Am getting tired of putting on and taking off sweaters......

Hi everyone,
I've not posted for a long time but I regularly check in to see how everyone is managing and to stop me feeling isolated in my SAD little world! I've started on my meds on 1st Sept to get them into my system for my brain starting to shut down in October. I had a reasonable winter last year by starting meds early, going on holiday in November and being very strict with my light and exercise regime. It was exhausting but worth it as I had the best winter in many years. Having said that I am still already feeling the dread and panic of the looming winter months and I am already feeling quite anxious about it all. Looks like it's light box time!
Keep your chins up

Hi guys

I wanted to run a theory past you all and see what your thoughts are.

For the past few weeks I have been feeling like most of us on here, very low, tired, no energy, disrupted sleep patterns etc and feeling like my SAD symtoms are upon me already.

I am going to a support group and we were discussing how I feel with regards to lack of motivation and feeling very down. After some advice and comments someone suggested that I may feel like I do not because my SAD has kicked in early but because I am anxious about what I know is going to happen in the coming months.

After considering this I think they may have something, especially as far a the low mood is concerned. Maybe I am feeling low because I know what is going to happen and how I am going to feel. Maybe it is the anxiety and the feeling of dread that is making me low at this point, rather than the SAD itself. Maybe we should take each day as it comes rather than think about whats going to happen to us over the next six months.

What does everyone else think about this theory?

Hi Suzie,

I couldn't agree more. For me, one of the things which characterises this time of year, is the feeling of dread when I think about the ensuing 6 months of darkness; despite the fact that the evenings are still farily light and up here in the North East we've had a couple of weeks of lovely weather. In essence, although I'm still feeling fine, my concern is regarding how I'm going to feel in a few weeks time.

However, you're right in saying that it's important to take it a day at a time and not wish your life away, although I have started planning little treats over the next few months, so I've got things to look forward to (trips to the theatre, long weekends, visits to friends etc).

I'm almost certain this will be the year I start anti-depressants. I panicked yesterday and am still feeling a strong unease, impatience. I have called my friends out of the blue to talk, because of feeling alone. The SAD symptoms seem early and severe. I remember when I didn't know I had SAD -- how much worse it was to not know why I was suddenly a different person.

paulst,
I hope you do have a better winter this year. It's good to have you on the forum, though. I wish you luck with the counseller. I think it really can help if they know about SAD -- it's a matter of finding the right "fit" though.

Best wishes to you.

- H

Minnie,
I often have that feeling of being a "fraud." I'm not on medications right now. There are times when I feel as though people see me as 'empty.' Just a husk of a person... that when I laugh, they know it's fake... that I don't have a right to join in a conversation with them because I'm just an awkward, empty person.

Do you think it's your medicine or a manifestation of SAD? I have so much self-doubt this time of year.

I'm a bit worried about you setting a particular date to start your meds... SAD hit me so hard, so fast this year. In previous years, I was in the thick of it and having suicidal thoughts before I even recognized what was happening to me. Please be careful.

- H

I'm best when I start meds in September. SAD doesn't really get me til about October/November and they usually take about 6 weeks to work for me.

I really don't want to take them this year, but I know that I have to. If I don't, I know when I need them they won't do any good. Setting a date for me is my way of making sure I start them sooner rather than later. It's my best way of making sure I do what I supposed to - and stick to it.

Thanks for your concern though :)

Hi Gemmzie

You know, you really need to turn this round because there is one hell of a long stretch ahead of us - its still a week until the equinox.
I think many things in life are stressful because of the way we approach them; change the approach and sometimes you ameliorate the situation.
If you are clouded with negativity, this may be difficult.
If it helps, I too am apprehensive about the winter. And people on this forum understand how you feel.
take care

clive

i think summer was canceled this year :lol:
though i cant complain it could have been worse, yes i know how?
it could have rained ALL the time. :lol:
i have been really down this year, so much so that my doctor told me not to come off the tablets unless i really wanted to.
I am not looking forward to winter, unless we get a heat wave.
Actually i like the snow, its bright when it snows and it makes me feel good, so either i want a heat wave, or its to snow from now to about may, ta.

Actually i like the snow, its bright when it snows and it makes me feel good, so either i want a heat wave, or its to snow from now to about may, ta.

I'll agree with you there. I also love the clear blue sky on a bright winters day. On a bright day, I often get the feeling of being completely enchanted :) lol is this some kind of hypomania...

Am taking med as of yesterday. hope this will prevent things getting as bad as they have previously. It's a different way of looking at the problem I suppose, but it has left me with low mood as I would still rather wait until I need med (stupid, as I know it's going to happen ) and physically low as I 'acclimatise' to the med.

Never mind. I'm meeting Suzie for coffee on Friday, that will cheer me up. WIll nick PaulSt's Galaxy as well.

hi amalthea read your notes and rest easy we are here to listen and understand how you feel. I suffer most of the usual sad symptoms but not the carbohydrate munchies one so much. Over the last few years I've cut out bread and sweet stuff (still steal chocolate when no-one's watching), so my weight has kinda dropped which is just as well as my trousers bulged and I look terrible on the beach. Middle aged spread? ha! have more or less been on a gi diet for several years now where fruit, veg, and good things are prevalent - most of it is pretty revolting but I eat it with a smile and have cut out the crappy foodstuffs and fastfoods and honestly feel better if not healthier for it. Rather than do undercover winter things I do as much as possible outside even if its nasty, we've got one of those 'go ape' things near us, you know swinging through trees on lines 40' above ground? Scares the bejesus outta me, but its a good rush. I suggest doing something stupid outside as much as possible during daylight hours whatever the weather. What does everyone else do as a cheer up?

"Christmas, so less to do at that stressful time of year."

totally agree less light more demands placed upon the individual!!

jessie,
Thanks for your reply. I'm finding it a struggle to cut back the carbs -- been dealing with some binging ever since I started living alone and had ended a relationship of 10 years. I know it's still a transitional period and should get easier when I get a little more disciplined about a daily routine. A food diary tends to straighten me out when I keep it updated.
Two years ago, I had a very good winter (I'm amazed!), and I suppose the weather was milder for the most part, but I also feel that regular yoga workouts were helpful. I do very basic yoga, but still enjoy the benefits of greater flexibility and strength, less achy muscles (esp. lower back!) and better sleep. It also helped me cope with stress from my job.
Now, I try to spend time out and in the woods, bird-watching. I hope that my bird-feeder will help keep me feeling cheery.

If you have any quick and easy veggie or fruit recipes, I'd love for you to share. I hate being in the kitchen -- just not a domestic sort, despite my gender. :lol: My problem is, I have so little energy in the winter... about the only good thing about winter is my love of (canned) soup!

Heather