Dreading the coming winter...

[least]

Anyone else going into 'hibernation' mode these days? I'm watching the Ohio temps go lower and lower and the rain and wind and clouds pile up more and more. I dread the shorter days and the reduced sunlight. In nice weather I can usually take my dogs for a walk and get us all some fresh air and sunshine and exercise, but in the winter the dog walks can be interrupted by the bad weather.

I'm thinking about getting some of those 'real sunlight' light bulbs for my house so I can at least get enough sunlight. My depression is bad enough without the dark cold winter making it worse. I was told yesterday that this is predicted to be a mild winter and I hope it is. My gas bill will wreck my limited budget if it gets too cold too often.

Wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks to make it thru the winter in one piece... I need suggestions.

[24hrsAday]

Dark Gloomy Cloudy Days with Rain and More RAIN here in michigan lately.. temps drop tonight to around freezing! what's not to like? i hear ya Least!

[nandm]

I utilize a tanning bed in the winter although I would have to put in the disclaimer that tanning is considered dangerous and can cause cancer. But after I tan, maybe it is the light, I feel better.

[reader]

I have started to embrace winter. I borrow my sons snowshoes and u can get a cheap pair in any of the stores. On a real down day I have even pulled out a lawn chair and suntanned in a parka. It does actually make me feel better. Their are many winter sports that once u get past the initial shock of the cold are so fun...

[aldo1980]

i don't like the winter either (or the summer - too hot!) but a few months and it will pass.
plus their are some positive aspects to it, eg. i know my friends don't go out much in the winter so i know i'm not missing much because they havn't invited me out.
i kinda like just staying in bed for as much as i can reading books during the winter. probably not good advice really. you and your dog need to get out, meet other people.
perhaps you have S.A.D. (season affective dissorder).

[Rancorous]

I hate winter too, i'm not looking forward to trudging around at school with soaked shoes and bundled up head to toe, i've already started to wear a coat and i'm freezing right now. D:

I agree with the people who suggested that you might have SAD. You should look into it if you can.

[least]

Yeah, I think it could be SAD also. That's why I want to buy those "sunlight" light bulbs for my house, to see if more sunlight makes a difference in my mood.

Not looking forward to the imposed isolation due to winter weather tho. In nice weather I isolate myself enough as it is, but it's my choice. It's one thing to stay home because you want to, but quite another to be forced to stay home cause the weather is bad.

It is a challenge in the winter to make myself walk the dogs every day. My one dog is diabetic and needs daily exercise, so I try to make sure we walk at least once a day, but in winter it depends on how cold or nasty it is outside.

[Learn2Live]

I bought one of those SAD lights from Amazon. I don't think those home sunlight light bulbs you get at HD or Lowe's do much for SAD. I think they are referring to the color of the light and not the intensity.

I take vitamin D when the weather changes like this. I have read studies where there are estimates of the percentage of Americans who are vit D deficient and they all seem to say that we are all pretty deficient in this vitamin.

I also go to Florida at least once a winter. I get pretty cheap flights from here (Baltimore) when I purchase the tickets early enough ($49 one way). I have family there who let me stay with them. I really need the sun and heat in the winter.

Here is a link to a 501c3 nonprofit organization that has helpful questionnaires and calculators you can use to help you with seasonal issues.
Center for Environmental Therapeutics - light box - SAD ? depression ? insomnia.

[NewBeginning010]

Yeah, winter can be tough but if you have the right clothes then it can be nice to get out & go for a walk (yes, even in the rain/snow).

You can get your doggies a jacket too dog rain jackets - Google Search

Hope you have a nice winter Least

[aldo1980]

Originally Posted by least

It's one thing to stay home because you want to, but quite another to be forced to stay home cause the weather is bad.

i used to have raynaulds disease (i say "used to" because for the past 2 or 3 years it hasn't affected me as much as it did before - i don't know if it's possible but i think since i've started playing the guitar that has helped my reynaulds). my fingers would swell and my hands and feet and nose would always be stone cold and i'd shiver when others wern't shivering. even in bed my hands would take hours to warm up. my (now ex) partner didn't used to let me touch her (with my hands ) in the winter. i hated going out in the winter and i'd only go out if i had to.
then i bought some long-johns and a good pair of gloves and scarf and hat and i found i was able to bear the cold a bit better.
so what i want to say is, unless the weather is extremly cold (think antartica) where you live, perhaps if you cover yourself well you'll still be able to take you're hound out.

[ClayTheScribe]

I would strongly recommend getting a sunlamp. I have one and it does me good. I got mine from Lights of America for a pretty reasonable price. I would second the taking of Vitamin D, it's helped with my depression since I don't get out in the sun often. Have you thought of getting a gym membership? There's always ways to get exercise without going outside. Climb the stairs of your apartment or house up and down. I'd also start taking fish oil to help with the depression. When I have some I take 4,800 mgs of fish oil everyday. Of course do more of whatever hobby you love to do. And don't load up on sugary and fatty foods, they just make you more depressed, or at least they do for me.

[Learn2Live]

Thanks for the reminder on the Fish Oil ClayTheScribe! I also have to cut out these cigarettes.

[OceanBound]

I love winter but am not a fan of short days and especially of waking up in the dark. I've been using a BioBrite sunrise clock and it really works.

OB

[Learn2Live]

BioBrite sunrise clock

I think that is the one I have too and I LOVE it. I hardly use the overhead lights in my BR anymore.

[unbrokenchain]

Winter sure has its drawbacks, but curling into your homezone shouldn't be one lest it involve
booze. Myself personally its a much needed sanctuary when the social invites seem to lax
and I can enjoy my sleep. Sorry I'm a grizzly bear getting ready just about now and
happy all the nastiness of summer 2009 is behind me. For all those with seasonal affect disorder or whatnot. Be sure to get in the direct sun AM and look directly at the sun for
2 or 3 seconds. It will adjust your system.

the shortness of the days surely is a drawback especially if your a hiker on a daytrip but this past summer was very painful for me, drinking-related and not and I'm so VEERRRY happy to see it over.

[Learn2Live]

I too will be glad when this entire year is over.

[OceanBound]

Originally Posted by Learn2Live

I too will be glad when this entire year is over.

Me too

[least]

Me three!

[Learn2Live]

WOW, there appears to be so much AGREEMENT in the Mental Health side of SR! How refreshing!!! Thanks everybody!
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