Seasonal Depression Is Upon Me

[Been There]

Anyone else suffer from this illness? I don’t take any medication for it, although it has been offered. I have found that instead of trying to be alone and using memories of when my parents were alive and the great Christmas’s we shared, I am better off being around people and going to parties and socials. I feel much better, but when I lay my head down on the pillow at night, I do have flashbacks, which depresses me and on some nights, I have trouble falling asleep. My parents were killed when I was 9 years old. I have pictures and memories of the days when we were a family.

I am lucky to have a girlfriend here and she includes me on almost all of her family activities year round. It really helps.

 

[MarciKS]

I always get depressed at the holidays because every loved one I've ever lost has always been at the holidays. Mostly Christmas.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

I suffer from seasonal affective disorder SAD.
Sunlamps can help quite a bit. Just use it for ten to fifteen minutes, once or twice a day and you should be good. Try and go for a walk everyday even if it’s not sunny. When you use your light, keep your eyes open.

 

[astralcat]

Although Christmas is mostly associated with joy, sadly, it is not always a joyous season for everyone. It also comes at a time when seasons change and long darker days are upon us exacerbating SAD. I am so sorry to learn about your parents – that is rough. It’s good that you have found a way to deal with it by keeping busy and having a caring girlfriend. I, myself, don’t suffer from it (I live in Canada where winters are long – I just suffer through it year after year.

 

[RadishRose]

Vitamin D also for SAD.

 

[oldman]

I have seasonal depression to some degree. I grew up with mom, dad and a sister. This year, my sister passed away and now I am alone. I have cousins, but it’s hard getting everyone together. Even all of my aunts and uncles have moved on.

I still enjoy celebrating Christmas and the birth of Christ. It’s a happy time within the church.

 

[Lewkat]

I feel bad for those who suffer this. Yes we've lost loved ones, and in my family on a couple of occasions it happened at the Christmas season. Both my parents passed during this time. But we carried on, as that is what they had wanted us to do.

Like oldman, it's a happy time celebrating the birth of Christ.

 

[MACKTEXAS]

I am lucky to have a girlfriend here and she includes me on almost all of her family activities year round. It really helps.

I noticed your (other) post where you mentioned attending the Thanksgiving get together with your girlfriend. I knew you were trying to decide whether to go or not, and I was glad to notice you did. Maybe in the long term your relationship with her will be very positive.