[Windswept]

For the past few years I've been dealing with winter depression. I get very moody and sad, and even the slightest thing can ruin a 'good' mood. This is the first year I've reached out for help, and I should be starting light therapy soon.

My problem is this: I don't know how to deal with depression in the meantime. I've found that being busy or being with friends helps me to not dwell over the issues that make me feel worse. I've got great friends who know about my SAD and always are there to help me, but they'll be leaving town for a few weeks over winter break. I do not want to spend most of my time alone... I already know I'll be dealing with college/financial stress and some boy issues, and I need to take my mind off of them. But the friends I'll be left with are not as close--in fact that only friend in town that I am close to is the boy that confuses me. I don't want to end up brooding over him!

I don't want to fall into a gray depression that I can't get out of, especially over the holidays. I can call my friends but I don't want them to worry. I usually find solace in writing but I desperately do not want to think...and I'm afraid in trying to keep my mind off of everything I'll turn to drinking and partying again, and that never ends well.

I'm new here, but I've read some of the posts and the advice is always helpful. Is there anything I can do to maintain a relatively good mood, or at least not become miserable, when my cure is leaving town? I'm 18, a senior in high school, and a writer, if that matters. I really appreciate your help.

[nowheretorun]

hi Windswept! Welcome to PC...

just a few thoughts, hope they help.. of course you can always come to PC for emotional support, encouragement to keep from falling off the edge... check out substance and alcohol abuse here on sight, i bet they could support your sobriety...

a book?; some project that will get you through the few weeks while friends are away...

ive heard about the SAD lights people use in winter, never tried them myself..

write us something and put it in creative?

keep reaching out, we hear you!

[1oxbowgirl]

The things I enjoy most about the holidays are the little things. It gives me time to read a good book, the kind you can't put down for long because it is so interesting. Also I like driving or walking around looking at the Christmas Lights that people have put up. And I enjoy attending the Christmas church events where they have their choir singing or church plays. It is a wonderful time to visit museums and art displays. Taking a walk in the park or window shopping. Visiting elderly friends or relatives that might not otherwise have time to see you. Or reaching out to someone in need can lift your spirits. I wish you a Merry Christmas and hope something I have said here helps you cope with the holidays.

[Windswept]

Thank you both for your advice. I've yet to try the SAD lights but I really hope they help...I'm prone to complex migraines linked to some heart issues, so if it becomes an issue I'll have to find some other treatment options.

I'm going to make an effort to pick up a good book and have an honest conversation with that boy...if that goes well I'll have one less think to worry about, unless the vicious cycle of high school drama and gossip continues over winter break.

I could try writing...I used to be very good but it seems like lately my writing has declined. Depression used to inspire me but I don't have that bonus anymore.