I know I'm supposed to be living one day at a time. And I will get back to that in a moment. But I can't help drifting off into worries about the upcoming months right now.

The last calm winter I had was 2014. Each one since has been marked by extreme episodes of obsessive delusions (usually manifesting as the belief that someone or something is out to get me). It's not a secret to me why. Nearly all of the incidents that have shaped my mental health issues occurred in the late autumn and winter months through out my life. So I at least get why this happens.

This is the first year I've taken a lot of steps to help with the cold season before it actually arrives. I've:

1. Formed a strict exercise regimen. I usually get good exercise during the spring through autumn without forcing it. Hiking, biking, swimming. But once the freezing temperatures come, I always shut down. This time, I rejoined a gym last month, and made a daily habit of exercising. It's only a few blocks from my house, so poor weather conditions shouldn't be an excuse not to work out.

2. Worked with my GP to determine the amount of vitamin D I should have daily. I live fairly far north, so D deficiency, and the wonderful variety of mood problems that comes with it, runs rampant up here.

3. Joined these forums. My loved ones are generally supportive, but it's impossible not to feel isolated from them when I'm in the thick of it. I feel like a freak, because I get so inconsolable, sometimes over the dumbest things, and they just don't get it. Maybe being around other so-called freaks (which I don't actually think of you all as ) will help turn the tables a little this year.

Okay. I feel a little better reminding myself that I'm being proactive this time. Maybe it won't be a good winter, but I have to believe it will be an improvement over the last few. Thank you, all.

I think it's fantastic that you are taking these positive actions to prepare for the rough upcoming months. I hope they help you! And remember, if you can't make it to the gym you can always get a great workout at home. If you are ever interested in finding a certain workout, feel free to PM me and I can do my best to help you find what you're looking for.

Originally Posted by scaredandconfused

I think it's fantastic that you are taking these positive actions to prepare for the rough upcoming months. I hope they help you! And remember, if you can't make it to the gym you can always get a great workout at home. If you are ever interested in finding a certain workout, feel free to PM me and I can do my best to help you find what you're looking for.

Thank you! You've helped me maintain my exercising a lot. I really appreciate it. I may take you up on that offer in a month or two.

[Sunflower123]

Sounds like a great plan. I hope this year you make it through winter smoothly. If there is anything I can do to support you through this please let me know. Sending big hugs.

[Shazerac]

Sounds like a solid plan. Hope you have a pleasant fall

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

Sounds like a great plan. I hope this year you make it through winter smoothly. If there is anything I can do to support you through this please let me know. Sending big hugs.

That's very kind of you. Thank you. It means a lot to me.

[Keyplayer]

Hi Bjørnen ,

I defiantly get the dreading winter part , I don`t have SAD , I wish it were that easy !! LOL

By the time late Jan. middle Feb. I am crazed. Last winter all the snow we got , I mean geez , one day I like shoveled 4 times , those stupid plow drivers

I would like a nice apartment if I could find one for a fair value , O__well.

Maybe this winter Mother Nature will be easy on us

Later.

Keyplayer 

Originally Posted by Keyplayer

Hi Bjørnen ,

I defiantly get the dreading winter part , I don`t have SAD , I wish it were that easy !! LOL

By the time late Jan. middle Feb. I am crazed. Last winter all the snow we got , I mean geez , one day I like shoveled 4 times , those stupid plow drivers

I would like a nice apartment if I could find one for a fair value , O__well.

Maybe this winter Mother Nature will be easy on us

Later.

Keyplayer 

Keyplayer! Thank you. I welcome the commiseration.

Oh gosh, that mountain of plowed snow at the end of the driveway! I am NOT looking forward to another long winter of that, either. That stuff gets so heavy, and if you don't take care of it quickly, it gets heavier by the hour. Sheesh.

I sincerely hope this winter is kinder for both of us. I will keep an eye out for you in the coming months.

[Keyplayer]

Hi Bjørnen ,

Maybe we can try chanting __Summer Year `round -- Summer year `round / or no more winter , anything to keep the snow plows grounded , thats for sure !!

GR8 minds worry in sync !!

Later ,

KP. 

[Sunflower123]

Please chant that snow down to the South. We didn't get even one snow last year. I would love to have a few winters of such much snow I get sick of it.

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

Please chant that snow down to the South. We didn't get even one snow last year. I would love to have a few winters of such much snow I get sick of it.

You can have it! But no backsies. You're stuck with it.

[Keyplayer]

Hey Jenn ,

You can have all I don`t want to shovel , there is a catch , you have to come up here and bring it home !! LOL

Take care

KP. 

[*Laurie*]

I understand. I feel frightened about the coming winter, too. The past 2 winters were very rough. The first one 5 of my pets died, the second one my precious sister died. I like the fall and the cooler weather, but...well, yeah.

I hope very much that the coming winter will be a really good one for you, in many ways.

Thank you. I'm sorry to hear that, Laurie, and I can empathize. I'll be keeping my eye out for you as well, this winter. I truly hope you have a better one.

[*Laurie*]

How very kind of you. Thank you, Bjornen

[Beeshezee]

I used to live in an area that it seemed like we had 8 months of winter, a couple of weeks of spring, 2 months of summer and a couple of weeks of fall. I used to think that maybe a small area with a sand box/pile, heat lamp, put on a bathing suit, sun glasses and play in the sand would be therapeutic for the winter blues... Hugs to you...

[hidesad]

Love the plan. Motivated me to look at my own life and identify the areas I need to plan for.