Is my newfound fear of winter irrational?

[ALago1]

So here's my story. This past winter was a pretty rough time for me. During the whole season I just in general felt lifeless and bland. I didn't have that sense of vitality and passion that I was used to always having in my life prior to this span of time and at times I would definitely say that I was somewhat depressed.

What's funny is that as soon as April rolled around and the warmth of the sun began to return, it seemed as if that bleak period was only a dream and I immediately became my old self again.

I'm thinking the reason could have been that during the December-March phase of last year, my then relationship was becoming very straining and stressful, leading me to feel so down. We broke up in late February and about two months later I began to come out of my funk. Or, it could be that this was my first experience with Seasonal Affective Disorder. I was doing some research online and much of the described symptoms fit me perfectly.

Regardless, I am dreading the impending cold weather and lack of sunlight this year. I am worried that I am going to relapse into being unhappy during the depths of winter. What's strange is that this has never happened before (I'm 23). I used to love winter and wouldn't mind the lack of sun and warmth in the past. I'm hoping that my feelings back then were due to my relationship woes rather than the season itself, but that may not have been the case, or it could have been both, with the relationship just making things worse.

Anybody have any experience or insight to my particular situation? It's strange for me to be worrying about winter when it is over 97 degrees outside and sunny, but I guess I'm just enjoying my life so much right now that I don't want it to end due to a stupid season change. Thanks for reading!

[Racenut20]

1. Start planning a winter vacation to Idaho or Montana or somewhere

That is a winter resort.

(hehe, my motives are purely selfesh. We don't need anymore snowbirds in TampaBay.)

[crispini]

2. No.

Winter depresses the crap outta me, and I live where it's moderately warm.

Make plans to move; life is too damn short to spend it somewhere that depresses you...... :P

[Reverend_Smitty]

3. Sounds like you have SAD

I get a bit of the winter blues too. I'm guessing the stress in your relationship coupled with a lack of sun gave you a tough time. They sell special sun lamps for people with SAD, I would look into one, it might help you

[ALago1]

8. Is yours bad enough that you would think it requires treatment?

I'm thinking that even though I may have it, if my life otherwise is pretty stable (unlike this past year) I wouldn't need to take any additional steps such as going to see a doc and light therapy.

[Reverend_Smitty]

14. no

it's just some days in the winter I feel really down so I attribute it to the weather

[no name no slogan]

4. Sounds like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

I would go see a doctor about it, so you they can start monitoring you for it this fall, when the days get shorter.

I've been diagnosed with SAD and have been treated for it with lightbox therapy. It really did work well when I was doing it. I had to quit when I started taking lithium, as lithium makes me very sensitive to bright lights.

And your age is not out of the ordinary-- I was first diagnosed with it when I was 25, although I'd probably had it before then.

I would go to your doc and check it out. You don't have to suffer.

[ALago1]

5. Thanks for the info

I am vaguely familiar with "lightboxes" but am unsure about the details of the actual therapeutic process. I will do some Google research. Thanks a lot.

[Shell Beau]

6. Move to a place that has wonderful weather year round.

Easier said than done, huh?

[Gay Green]

7. Yes easier said than done

Considering how expensive California and Hawaii housing prices and rents are

[Shell Beau]

9. Those aren't the only places!

[ALago1]

10. California sounds very alluring to me

Are all sections ridiculously expensive? I live in NJ right now and the real estate prices (and all prices in general) are up there. I can't imagine Cali being that more expensive.

Hawaii just doesn't seem feasible, especially considering that I'd like to stay in the continental US.

[Uncle Joe]

11. Try to keep in mind that Bush will be leaving office

in the middle of the cold dark winter, there don't you feel warmer and fuzzy all over.:-)

[ALago1]

12. That is true, but not this winter!

n/t

[Uncle Joe]

13. Unless of course the Republican controlled Congress impeaches him,

and no I am not betting any money on it.

[caty]

15. I used to get depressed every winter.

So, I started making a few changes. I kept my living room as bright as I could with lights day and evening. I made a point of going out everyday even if it was just to the corner store. I put screensavers on my computer that showed grass, trees, and flowers----instead of looking out the window and seeing brown grass or snow, I would look at my computer screen and see a beautiful summer day. It really helped.:bounce: