Feeling a bit seasonal


My close friends and family will tell you I am a bit rubbish at this time of year. Despite craving the change of season and loving Autumn almost as much as I love Spring, I still seem to fall into this dark hollow where everything seems a little too difficult.
I had hoped that the radical change in my diet would see a change in these symptoms, but all that has happened is I haven't comfort-eated my way through. However, this is a Good Thing, as it gives me one less stick to beat myself with.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is described as ' a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer, spring or autumn year after year.'
So the big question is 'are my symptoms depressive or am I just instinctively reacting to the colder weather and darker days?'

This is how I feel:
Really tired, but not so tired that I can't get up and function.
A bit fed up and a bit hopeless one day and then chirpy and optimistic the next.
Feeling fatter than I actually am and not liking myself very much at times.
Being a little cross with myself.

My Grandfather would have said I was 'naval gazing'. Too much time on my hands - and busy, but not mentally stretched.

So, what to do ....
Well I have tried sleeping with a curtain open - to my husband's extreme joy - so that I could wake as the light increases. I have been taking Vitamin D and going outside as much as possible, bearing flesh if I can. I swallow a whacking great dose of EPA each day, after reading this book on holiday. I have been doing yoga when childcare allows and have been trying to get a little sweaty in the gym once a week. I have tried to accept the times when I feel a bit tired and taken it easy. I have been making my many evenings home alone a little more rewarding by watching films and good tv programmes, whilst working on crafty projects.
Today I found myself asking for more work......

Comments

dramaqueenjane said…
You have just described me in a nutshell I know exactly how you're feeling and I'm going to get myself that book. Thank you.

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