Seasonal Depression Is Upon Me

OneEyedDiva said:
I'm glad you'll be getting this checked out Lewkat. Feel better and please keep us posted.
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I will Diva. Yesterday, I woke up with a fever of 102.4. I got it down but, by the time I was out of the shower and dressed, I had trouble breathing and had to use my O/2. My temp is normal this morning and my breathing is fine. But, I have a small nodule on my right lung and the center of it is becoming denser. So, I think that may be the culprit. I see my pulmonologist in a few days. I'll keep you posted. 🤗
 

I take Vitamin D every day, I don't get as much sun exposure as I used to, concerned about skin cancer.

smiley said:
I find alcohol very useful??
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Alcohol gives you a short term "pick-me-up", in the same way as sugary snacks do. Neither is a direct solution.

Both sugar and alcohol trigger dopamine release in the brain's reward system, creating pleasure and fostering addiction, but they interact complexly: alcohol disrupts brain chemistry (like GABA & glutamate), impairs glucose use (leading to neuronal issues), and can cause dependency, making the brain crave sugar for the same dopamine spike, while sugar itself has narcotic-like effects, creating a cycle of seeking intense rewards, even worsening addiction.
Shared Effects on the Reward System

Dopamine Surge: Both substances flood the brain with dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, leading to pleasure and reinforcing the desire to consume more, creating addiction cycles.
Compulsive Behavior: This dopamine pathway activation can lead to cravings and compulsive overconsumption, making it hard to stop.
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I also went through a period of depression that didn’t resolve on its own, so at some point I reached out to a specialist who offers telepsychiatry. The online format turned out to be convenient and less stressful: I didn’t have to travel anywhere, and talking about difficult things felt easier in a familiar environment. With regular sessions, clear explanations of what was happening to me, and gradual work on my thoughts and behavior, my condition stabilized and the sense of hopelessness significantly decreased.
 
I line up winter activities and indoor projects which actually has me looking forward to winter, in a way. When it is nice out, I feel a little guilty missing out on the nice weather outdoors if I do those indoor projects and activities. Still, I prefer summer to winter, but if I keep busy enough indoors, spring is upon us before you know it.

I also take a large dose of vitamin D3, double the amount in winter months.
 
It is bucking cold this morning, but the sun is out full today. I am not a person that has a clinical SAD.

Also, my horses also keep me outside and moving to some degree so I don’t have time to think about being depressed if we do have lack of sunshine.

Nothing comes close to bringing me peace & contentment than having one of these horses blow in my ear. Especially my retired and big Dutch Warm Blood because he makes it a point to seek out the side of my face and lightly blow.

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I wouldn't call it depression, but winter sucks and I'm happy to see the end of it. Short days, snow and slush, cold weather -- what's to like?
 
I don’t do well in January and February either. But it is a beautiful sunny day and my daffodils are beginning to bloom everywhere outside . Two hyacinth bulbs blooming in the house along with an indoor potted Camellia bush . So I can see some light at the end of the tunnel. Spring is just around the corner.

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