After 16 years in western WA, where come November, it's dark by 4pm- seasonal affective disorder on top of parenting and a lifelong dance with depression is no joke. I feel this. Embracing the concept of hygge has helped some- I bought $200 worth of beeswax tapers and light them every single night at dinner religiously. However, I also feel like for me depression is related to grief and so embracing grief rituals, attending communal grief rituals, building an alter to my ancestors, and in general embracing the dark damp season as much as possible has helped some alongside things like therapy.
As a fellow PNW’er I love this approach. The recent streak of rains made me realize (and wail to a friend) that I’m not emotionally prepared for the shift in season yet. Will definitely explore this approach
There is something potent about how thorough you are with this. Your self-awareness, self-knowing, ability to look at all the things…it’s so helpful to witness another person doing this. This was not modeled for me and it took me a while to figure out how important it is in helping my struggling self. Thank you for sharing all of what’s going on with you.
Thank you for sharing. Depression is a tricky jerk that can come out of nowhere for seemingly no reason. As someone who also battles it, I know that the changing of the seasons can throw me for a loop (don't me started on the time change for DST). I've read that it has something to do with the change in the light. From winter to spring is also a hard transition for the same reason, even though it's exciting to leave winter behind.
I appreciate your sharing. I’m finding myself depressed recently again and can relate to what you’ve shared. I’m just in it. I know it will pass but I just need to acknowledge it’s here. I’ve tried personifying my depression (Melody- short for melancholy), welcoming her like an old friend, asking her what she needs and why she’s here. I also love reading this kids book called When Sadness is at your door. 💕
Girlfriend, I hear you. I get SAD and I get anxious when I have a lot of new things going on, even good things. I wish there was a place we get to go to when we need to check out for some serious self-care, even when our families, our businesses and our lives need attention. I have a busy life now, but I fantasize when I had nothing going on and was bored, lazy and binge eating.
You are so very okay, and while I'm writing this, I get that I am also okay. XXOO
Right?! I have often thought that the whole yesteryear thing of having a breakdown and being sent to a sanitarium for a break from life for a period was an under-rated concept!
I’m an army officer and in my early career when we would be sent away on training courses, even that in a way felt like a relief sometimes. The courses were very hard, both physically and mentally but that’s all you have to do. You don’t have to figure out how to feed yourself, deal with partners, kids, pets, housework, social obligations etc. The decisions are already made for you and it feels much simpler.
Thank you so much for sharing this Dacy. I can so relate to the feeling of everything getting harder suddenly RIGHT when it felt like things were finally getting good (or at least easier). Sending you hugs and good snacks.
Sorry to hear you are having a rough go. It's frustrating when you have done your best to manage MH, are doing all the right things and it hits you in the face anyway. Sounds like you are well supported and are being kind to yourself, which is most important when we go through a bout. If you ever need a pep talk or a reminder to treat yourself gently, I'm sure this group will be happy to be there.
After 16 years in western WA, where come November, it's dark by 4pm- seasonal affective disorder on top of parenting and a lifelong dance with depression is no joke. I feel this. Embracing the concept of hygge has helped some- I bought $200 worth of beeswax tapers and light them every single night at dinner religiously. However, I also feel like for me depression is related to grief and so embracing grief rituals, attending communal grief rituals, building an alter to my ancestors, and in general embracing the dark damp season as much as possible has helped some alongside things like therapy.
As a fellow PNW’er I love this approach. The recent streak of rains made me realize (and wail to a friend) that I’m not emotionally prepared for the shift in season yet. Will definitely explore this approach
That's beautiful.
There is something potent about how thorough you are with this. Your self-awareness, self-knowing, ability to look at all the things…it’s so helpful to witness another person doing this. This was not modeled for me and it took me a while to figure out how important it is in helping my struggling self. Thank you for sharing all of what’s going on with you.
I always hesitate to, even postponed this post this morning, so thank you for saying this.
Thank you for sharing. Depression is a tricky jerk that can come out of nowhere for seemingly no reason. As someone who also battles it, I know that the changing of the seasons can throw me for a loop (don't me started on the time change for DST). I've read that it has something to do with the change in the light. From winter to spring is also a hard transition for the same reason, even though it's exciting to leave winter behind.
I definitely think the change of season was part of it!
I appreciate your sharing. I’m finding myself depressed recently again and can relate to what you’ve shared. I’m just in it. I know it will pass but I just need to acknowledge it’s here. I’ve tried personifying my depression (Melody- short for melancholy), welcoming her like an old friend, asking her what she needs and why she’s here. I also love reading this kids book called When Sadness is at your door. 💕
how funny, I call mine Mal for malcontent. It will pass.
Girlfriend, I hear you. I get SAD and I get anxious when I have a lot of new things going on, even good things. I wish there was a place we get to go to when we need to check out for some serious self-care, even when our families, our businesses and our lives need attention. I have a busy life now, but I fantasize when I had nothing going on and was bored, lazy and binge eating.
You are so very okay, and while I'm writing this, I get that I am also okay. XXOO
Yes! I just need to check out for a while! Goodness, I wish that place existed. XO
Right?! I have often thought that the whole yesteryear thing of having a breakdown and being sent to a sanitarium for a break from life for a period was an under-rated concept!
To take it even further, I've always felt I was one of those people who a hundred years ago would have needed to "take to their bed" pretty often 😂
I’m an army officer and in my early career when we would be sent away on training courses, even that in a way felt like a relief sometimes. The courses were very hard, both physically and mentally but that’s all you have to do. You don’t have to figure out how to feed yourself, deal with partners, kids, pets, housework, social obligations etc. The decisions are already made for you and it feels much simpler.
Hahaha! Me too!
Thank you so much for sharing this Dacy. I can so relate to the feeling of everything getting harder suddenly RIGHT when it felt like things were finally getting good (or at least easier). Sending you hugs and good snacks.
Will never not have good snacks ❤️
I identify with this 100%! You are not alone.
thanks, Dana.
Thanks for sharing honestly. For me, I feel so frustrated when I'm doing all the "right" things and my mood plummets anyway. It's so hard.
yes exactly
Sorry to hear you are having a rough go. It's frustrating when you have done your best to manage MH, are doing all the right things and it hits you in the face anyway. Sounds like you are well supported and are being kind to yourself, which is most important when we go through a bout. If you ever need a pep talk or a reminder to treat yourself gently, I'm sure this group will be happy to be there.
Feel better!
thank you so much
Thanks for sharing. You’re definitely not alone. ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks, Heather.
I'm just here to say amen to this! You're not alone!!!
❤️