Seasonal peak in Depression

@came2believe

I'm definitely going through this right now. I have a Seasonal Affective lamp which emits light that mimics sunlight (minus the uv) and that helps, if its actually due to the dreary skies. I hate cold, so I treat myself by bundling up in comfy pajamas and blakets at home, drinking hot tea, and taking warm bubble baths. Just honestly doing anything to get comfortable. Besides that, just making sure I have people to talk to, and doing my best to remember I've survived many Ohio winters before, and spring will come eventually. Hope that helps a little!

@came2believe I wonder if something happened during this period or the time itself.. having colder weather, longer and darker nights?

@came2believe, I think you might be referencing Seasonal Affective disorder.

"SAD is sometimes known as "winter depression" because the symptoms are more apparent and tend to be more severe during the winter.The symptoms often begin in the autumn as the days start getting shorter. They're typically most severe during December, January and February.SAD often improves and disappears in the spring and summer, although it may return each autumn and winter in a repetitive pattern." - NHS UK website

If you think you might have SAD and are finding it hard to cope with I really suggest, if you are able, to go and talk to your GP to get some more information and advice! Things like getting as much natural sunlight as possible (and the lamp rchou mentioned) , regular exercise and managing your stress levels can help. Beyond that your GP might recommend talking therapies such as CBT and medication. Obviously you're always welcome to talk to a therapist or listener on 7Cups too :)

@came2believe

Yes, I think it's normal that depression rate rises during winter! This means we need more loves and connection with people to warm everyone up!! :)
7cups is a great place to get all these we need! :D

Know that life can't be controlled, but realist me that the harder things get and the more you can get through these problems then the stronger you will get👌🏻

Feeling the pull of what I suspect is a seasonal or cyclical depression. Historically most years I become depressed around October or November. I then have been known to have another bout around June or July. These bouts can last for a few months and I've lost jobs, become suicidal and been hospitalized before during the worst of these times. In between bouts I am never fully "well" but at least I can function to varying degrees depending on my agoraphobia or social anxiety or whatever it is.

At long last I believe the doctors that told me I have a chemical imbalance and I just wish I could find the right medication to get me out of this state and to keep me from slipping further.

I think I really need help. I have tried some things over the years. I don't want to live this way for the rest of my life but I don't know what the cure is.