Newbie who hate winter and being inside

NYLady

New Member
Hello all. I live in upstate NY where the Bills game was postponed until today, and while the sun is shining it is devious and deceiving because it is COLD outside. I am an hour away from Buffalo and our weather is totally different, but still ugly and mean. I love spring and summer, but get really depressed and down in the winter.

And for those of us up here….that is more than half of the year. I have been diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder and take all sorts of supplements. I do yoga and joined the Y. I try to get outside despite the weather, and I am lucky that we’ve only had to shovel once this year so despite the gray skies and cold temps, I can still walk outside a lot. Yet…my mood becomes so down this time of year. The holidays didn’t help, they just make all this worse.

I really thought that the Golden Years of retirement would help with anxiety and depression and sadness, but it’s been quite the opposite. I work part time at the library, and I volunteer. I hide beneath a mask of smiles and people don’t really know how tough these times are for me. I joined a book club and I tell you…the best part was when we were talking about dark times and almost everyone in the group had a story to tell. For once, I did not feel alone. Looking forward to having a place to visit where people my age can share their feelings.
 

Welcome.. and feel lucky you have places to volunteer ...many of us live rurally, and don't have that...so chin up..

Welcome to the forum, we have a few NY members here too...

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Hi there NYLady. You've come to the right place! In the upper right corner you will see the word "Search" with a magnifying glass. Click on that and then enter "Seasonal Depression". You will be directed instantly to pages and pages of valuable tips, remedies, and sharing. Join in and you will make many friends of members with like concerns as well.
 
In order to actually enjoy being outdoors in cold winter conditions beyond just being able to cope briefly moving between indoor buildings or being active that most people only have clothing for, requires more clothing layers and types of warm clothing.

When one can comfortably sit wherever outside in say 20F degree fair weather and enjoy whatever, one has figured out how to dress properly at a level to be able to possibly enjoy winters. For most, that requires taking care of any exposed skin areas by warm coverings except eyes, nose, and mouth.
 
I am a New Yorker too- living in the Southern Tier, cow country.

I bought this lamp in 2010:

Lavish Home 72-0820 (Beige) Floor Full Spectrum Natural Sunlight Lamp with Bendable Neck-Reading, Craft, Studying, and Esthetician Light, (L) 10.2" x (W) 8.7" x (H) 62.5"​

Visit the Lavish Home Store
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,285 ratings

From amazon. I bought extra bulbs at the time but still have them in boxes.
I only use it when I work at my desk and noticed that amazon has many more types of lamps, specifically for SAD sufferers.
I also take Vitamin D-3, with a K vitamin in it, that helps, and after yesterday's miserable snow and winds, I just got out to the Dollar store and needed to wear sunglasses, the sun is so bright, and the main highway is dry.

It was 13 degrees ,with minimal breeze ,when I left ,but fortunately no ice under the snow on the windshield.

Welcome to this Great site and Many of us can relate to what you had said. We all have some bad days , bad memories, and still grieve the losses of loved ones, and the challenges we face can seem overwhelming , but we get through them, and are stronger and wiser, and, hopefully, better prepared for the next challenge.

You came to the best place in town.:)




 
I think the majority of us suffer the winter blues in the colder climates. Especially if it's merely gloomy and dreary along with cold temps. Snow has a somewhat exhilarating effect on me, however,409730207_880982573514223_2133522321948664022_n.jpg and seems to soften the cold a tad.
 
Hi, @NYLady! Welcome. You've come to the right place. We're a friendly bunch and you'll find it's easy to make friends here. Make yourself at home! 🙂



Bella ✌️
 
This thread if renamed to [Couple who hate winter and being inside] would be exactly why when planning retirement we chose to downsize & move to southern Nevada.

BBQ'ed chicken thighs outside today, walked in the park early this morning enjoying the greenery of the trees & shrubbery. Having lived back east in eastern Pa. the choice to move after retiring was exactly the reasons the OP listed.
 
Hi. I suffer from SAD, too, and have for a long time. Some days are better than others. Often I avoid looking out the window so I don't see the gray, dismal sky.

Anyways, I'm glad you joined here and hope you enjoy your time here and stop back as much as you want or need.

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Welcome, from another New Yorker, I'm also located in the Southern Tier. The thing I dislike about winter is being stuck inside so much! I won't drive in nasty weather, or on snow covered roads. I live in the country, so it's miles and miles to anywhere from here. My nephews are at the Bill's game, score is 14-0, Bill's are winning 😁. Welcome to the forum!
 
The Bills won! That made my day, and I am hoping it makes my week. Til next Sunday when it could mean a sad sad week for me. I have my fingers crossed. Thank you all for your welcomes to your site. I hope to spend some pleasurable time here with all of you.
 

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