[xRavenx]

Anybody here experiencing some drastic mood changes in the winter?
Following the holidays, I usually find myself ready to crash. I have been rapidly cycling over the past month or so, but things go even more downhill right after the holidays. I don't know if anyone can relate to that feeling of being both anxious and restless, yet energy level and motivation are lacking all at the same time? I know it sounds like a contradiction, but that's what I have been experiencing. (Btw, just found out my pdoc visit isn't this Monday, it's next Monday. I am really disappointed and a bit worried).

Mixed mania and depression are really common for me at this time of year. Sometimes, I just don't know what to do with myself. My mind keeps racing with worry, but at the same time, I don't know how to take action and stay in bed a lot. What do you try to do to better cope with anxiety and depression during the winter months?

[still_crazy]

hi. my shrink just dropped some stuff and has me increasing Lamictal. Honestly, I'm only at 50mgs/day right now, and I already feel better.

Non-drug stuff...I can't think of anything. Some people swear by D3 supplements and light boxes. Whenever your mood shifts, sleep hygiene becomes extra important, of course.

Sorry this is happening. I can relate (to a point...), and its not fun.

[LadyShadow]

I can relate to this, where I never noticed it before. Usually colder months I feel better because I am definitely not a fan of heat and humidity. But I really crashed on New Year's and went through a very horrible episode that almost cost me my relationship.

I don't know if it's because of winter, the holidays, or just a stroke of bad luck, but this winter hasn't been kind to me.

I hope things go well at your doctor's appointment when you get there, try not to worry about it too much.

To me, I found that writing, taking a shower, eating something, and self-care improved my mood drastically, so maybe doing some things that you like doing can help bring your head above water.

Hugs and feel better!

I have a big lightbox next to my bed. I lay in bed and get light. It helps me huge.

I do well after the holidays if I have some positive activities lined up. Not too many, not too few. If I find myself with nothing to look forward to, that kind of makes my mood dip a bit. Luckily I've got a couple of things lined up already. One I'm really looking forward to that I'll do with my hubby.

[GoldenSnitch]

I definitely can relate to this during the winter months. My therapist recommended a mood light to help with the seasonal affects. Half hour in the morning before I start my day.

[Naynay99]

Hey. Based on my work attendance records front the last several years, januaray is the month I usually take the most sick days and much of that is from bad depression. It is a tough month for me.

I agree with an above poster that having something preplanned to look forward to helps a lot. Having something to stick around for and be excited about in the near future can help me endure the bad moods better. For me that's usually a trip somewhere.

I got a light box but haven't started using it. I feel like I've been so overwhelmed that adding another thing to my day even if it is just sitting in front of a light for 20 min has seemed like more than I can do. But I am gonna try to force myself this winter. A much better but more expensive solution is to head somewhere sunny during winter.

I hope the seasons and darkness don't affect u too much this year. Take care.

[Pookyl]

In the winter I go to the gym at the most dreariest time of day. The gym has bright fluro lights which are a good substitute for sunshine.
I also keep the lights on and heater on - I can trick my brain into thinking that the weather’s warmer than it is.

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by Naynay99

Hey. Based on my work attendance records front the last several years, januaray is the month I usually take the most sick days and much of that is from bad depression. It is a tough month for me.

I agree with an above poster that having something preplanned to look forward to helps a lot. Having something to stick around for and be excited about in the near future can help me endure the bad moods better. For me that's usually a trip somewhere.

I got a light box but haven't started using it. I feel like I've been so overwhelmed that adding another thing to my day even if it is just sitting in front of a light for 20 min has seemed like more than I can do. But I am gonna try to force myself this winter. A much better but more expensive solution is to head somewhere sunny during winter.

I hope the seasons and darkness don't affect u too much this year. Take care.

Thanks. I can relate when it comes to working in January. I took some time out of work/called out, and a lot of it has to do with mental health, although snow and weather reasons as well. Work creates so much anxiety, and my depression has been bad. I never tried a light box, but since so many people mention that it works, I am open to trying it.

I loathe winter. I power through it. It's not as bad as it used to be for me. But the snow, cold, darkness really get me down. I have a light box I might try this year. I just remind myself it won't be that long. Spring and summer will be here before I know it...

[UpDownAround]

I am good with the holidays, but nobody sings about Jack Frost nipping at your nose in January or February. At this point, I am just waiting for it to end and none too patiently. I won't do anything I really enjoy until March, unless I take a trip south or we have some really warm days. I want to walk/hike, fish, stroll the beach and kick back in a lounge chair. No light box will fix my mood.