[Thriving101]

Does anyone else’s moods get worse in the fall and winter time ? Or is it just me?

[~Christina]

Fall and Winter are typically trouble for most all people with Bipolar or other mental illness..

I feel great in the Fall but horrible in the dead of Winter -- depressed. I like the early Winter -- am happy to see the snow. But Winter here goes on for six month or longer and i am so worn-out by the end. But then: it's Spring!!!

[FluffyDinosaur]

Lack of light in the winter can definitely make me depressed. Then again, the long days and heat in the summer usually make me a lot more irritable, and I sleep a lot worse so that can easily lead to mood swings as well. Plus, I have noisy neighbors who like to stay out in their yard until 4 in the morning in the summer, so I prefer the fall/winter because at least I don't have to deal with that. I guess my favorite is bright winter days, when there's enough daylight but it's not so hot and loud that I can't sleep.

[*Beth*]

I prefer the cooler weather so much, yet every fall and winter I get slammed with depression and severe anxiety. My pdoc kept urging me to get a SAD lamp. I did that and it is a waste of money. Doesn't do anything to lift my mood.

I'm finding that therapy is most helpful to alleviate the down/agitated moods. I don't even know why therapy helps...I trust my T and I guess just talking with her and receiving support works well.

[Fuzzybear]

I can relate. I prefer the cooler weather but this time of year (especially this year) I am slammed down with more severe depression and anxiety

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Fuzzybear

I can relate. I prefer the cooler weather but this time of year (especially this year) I am slammed down with more severe depression and anxiety

Maybe that's because you need to hibernate, Fuzzy

[xRavenx]

I have the tendency to experience depressed mood or mixed episodes that begin late fall and into the winter. It's very common. It's ironic, because I love certain aspects of the Fall, such as autumn leaves, cozy clothing, but it's bittersweet since usually an episode is coming. Some years are better than others though. This year, I am struggling more than last year.

[unicornlady]

I am fine in all seasons once they are established, but not during the changing of seasons. Particularly spring to summer and summer to fall.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by unicornlady

I am fine in all seasons once they are established, but not during the changing of seasons. Particularly spring to summer and summer to fall.

Excellent observation. It's the transitions that are hard for me, too. And then we have the time changes, which throws everything off.

[FluffyDinosaur]

Originally Posted by BethRags

Excellent observation. It's the transitions that are hard for me, too. And then we have the time changes, which throws everything off.

Yes, the time changes are the worst, especially the transition to summer time. Everyone around me seems to adjust to it within a few days, but it takes me weeks or months, if I even manage to adjust at all. I've given up trying to explain why I hate the time changes so much because according to most people it's "impossible" that it affects me so much.

[bpcyclist]

Historically, for me, October/November = onset of crushing, resistant depression and SI stuff. June, over the years, = mania, big-time.

That said, it is December and I am just coming out of a manic psychosis, for lack of a better phrase. So, what do I know????

Usually not. However, I would say if I am having any mood issues in the Fall/Winter they are slightly on the lower end, with perhaps some mixed stuff going on. That said, my husband told me yesterday that I had been a bit "up" for quite a while up until our Thanksgiving vacation.

My worst episodes (manic or manic/mixed) have usually been in the spring. Sometimes they start as early as March, but usually in April/May. I have a well documented history of this. These are usually emergency level bad. Since my birthday and anniversary are in the spring, I have been quite unwell on those days -- even hospitalized or in an IOP on them.