Seasonal Depression Is Upon Me

[Lewkat]

I'm glad you'll be getting this checked out Lewkat. Feel better and please keep us posted.

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.

 

[KSav]

I find alcohol very useful??

Alcohol is a CNS depressant and thus actually makes depression worse.

 

[Nathan]

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

I find alcohol very useful??

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.
google

 

[Llynn]

I actually find the dark days of late fall and winter invigorating so depression is never a problem.

 

[Ruthanne]

I have SAD, too. I just try to get through each day. Music helps me and so does sleeping or finding a good movie to watch.

 

[Gardenlover]

Many people find comfort in Norwegian hygge practices, especially during the colder winter months.

 

[ellabrownte]

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.