Seasonal Depression

[an****]

Heading to work in the dark this morning reminded me that we're entering the season of seasonal depression.

This time of year can make already difficult times even harder, and with the upcoming holidays, it's easy to overlook the people around us.

Remember to reach out. You might be the only person who does.

Are there particular signs you've noticed when a friend, partner, or dynamic is affected by seasonal depression? I know there are a thousand signs and a thousand signs that go unnoticed so not looking for a comprehensive list. What I notice is increased irritability, extended delays in conversation, emotional dysregulation, withdrawal, but in a different way that is unique. Like they are carrying more than they're communicating.

Are comfort items, reassurance, structure, or familiar routines more meaningful during this time or does it just depend? I can think of thoughtful ways to make gifting a fallen leaf memorable, but what gifts and attention are really meaningful to you and your dynamic in this season?

Do you notice change in yourself or your dynamic during this season, and what helps? I have lost people to this season so I get hyper aware.

[Lo****]

For me. If I keep my home/safe space clear of clutter, then I can better control my emotions when dealing with the outside world. My husband understands this and is very supportive of this time of year, especially since I work in retail and have to deal with people 🙃

[Deleted Member]

SAD, as it is referred to - Seasonal Affective Disorder. I know someone who has this, and their trigger is when the clocks change, (this Sunday)… the lighter mornings only last 2-3 weeks, but the instant change to dark evenings really triggers it in them. You are so right in what you say though, reach out, as you might be the only person that does… I think one part of the problem is, too many people think it is just a change in sleep patterns that makes some people seem grumpy, and assume they are just tired, when actually, is it depression… take care…

[Ra****]

I am am SAD sufferer too

[Do****]

Yeah, I'm not sure I have seasonal depression. Just random feelings that make me broody.

[FA****]

The room I sleep in if I spend to much time laying down by myself it fucks with my head but it would be a room thing as I thought about killing myself laying for in there for over a year. I am changing the way it lowers me down but I get suicidal when this happens so I did this so I could begin to manage that part of my mind that brings out a visceral loneliness that makes the world stop. Not as much anymore so I started working on it and it should be gone next week as I process and get rid of things faster than 99.9% of people can as that is one of things that people find unnerving about me. I don't depression but that loneliness that can stop me in my tracks. I have get up and move when this happens and I don't want to anymore than anyone else does.
I hope everyone has a great day.

[Deleted Member]

You can buy sun lamps, that are meant to give you a simulated boost of ‘sun light’, so those that suffer from SAD should get some relief…

[FA****]

To be honest have a enough will power to *** yourself to get up and walk outside and get fresh air while yawning and the movement will help get positive endorphins going and might wake you up a little. It's worth a try but you have to do as much as you can handle through our the day.

[Da****]

Got to take a strong Vit D/K2 and look after ourselves in this time 🙏🏻

[an****]

I appreciate you sharing. You have clearly put a lot of work into understanding yourself and establishing safe guards to manage those moments. Sounds like you are doing what I call self-dom-ing or being your own master. I find this fascinating and something I assume comes from extraordinary intelligence, self-control, and hard boundaries.

How did you acquire this skill?

[FA****]

I am telling you, I have been laid for a year because my back. The best thing I ever did for myself was making myself get up and walk Around the house and started going on walks 3-4 times a week. It just helps the muscles and allows me at least to clear my head while walking.

[JM****]

I don’t have seasonal depression I’m currently seeing my therapist and psychiatrist. I have bipolar disorder but at the same time. From my standpoint a relatives’ relationship who I don’t see because they think they are above the law. One is a police officer. They think they have everything. Yes in someways my seasonal depression and anxiety and bipolar are all mixed together. Because of drama. It just makes me angry because they think I’m going to be on the edge of insanity. Or they’re going to Bully me into Submission. I don’t work like that. It just makes me feel like they want me bow to their feet. I’m not this way.

[ha****]

It’s not seasonal depression if you’re depressed all the time!

[kinktrepidexplorer]

What helps me is state change, i practice a lot of different modalities that i've picked up over the years. the most powerful one probably being cold showers.

I try not to go a day without spending at least a couple of minutes under the cold. Doesn't matter what kind of a day i'm having or what the weather is like outside (in fact i've found it builds resilience to the cold) i always feel a 100 times better for it.

Many things you can do to self regulate that will compound over time to foster a better mood or more positive state of mind. It's fundamental to have a really good morning routine that set's the tone for the day cause life is gonna happen either way.

[au****]

The best thing is to keep making that coin. Spend a little bit when the sun comes out but during the other times … each month holds a party. A *** maker. Halloween October bang November we’re sliding into the holidays boom heeeeeres Chri$tams then what? New years and of course even if you’re not falling for the “love month” it’s only a 28 day run and plus…. Super Bowl!!! 🏈 Party party party. Then … springtime 🌼. Easy does it. All these blocks of depression as I like to call them are nothing more than brainrot from the idiot internet. Our phones are our worst enemy. Life is what you make it. 🎰

[FA****]

That gave me energy back and would help take the sleepy feeling away and groggyness goes down allot. This is what I had to do to feel better and I was extremely depressed when I started. I will go shoot baskets and *** myself to do exercise but lightly because I have bulging disc in my neck and crushed in my back at the top. I figured out that walking made my muscles feel better and the depression startrd to go away. Is helps with morale with yourself to see outside and nature at least it does for me.

[FA****]

Don't ever get in your knees,fight on your feet, win or lose at least you know even if no one else does that you they couldn't break or make bow. Brother that is an accomplishment, standing on the edge knowing they want you to fall and you stand in defiance till the air is gone out of your lungs.

[Rd****]

Thank you for posting about this. I have suffered from S.A.D. my entire life, and every year it tends to get worse. With me losing my long-term sub recently, it has jump-started my depression. My wonderful wife has been able to pick up the pieces from my sub leaving, but it still affects me more than I realized.

[an****]

I want to acknowledge everyone who sent me a DM and everyone who replied and liked this comment. This support means a lot. I am ok.

I lost a lot of people over the years to this, it is really important to acknowledge this time of year and how it can be extra hard (even for all year round depression).

This a tribute to remember the fallen and a broadcast to let everyone else know, if you need someone to talk to, we are all together in this.

[an****]

This discussion was intended to ask how, but somehow became the how. I think this is powerful.

Before this thread gets buried, I want to share a few non-exposure questions inspired by your replies we can try, feel free to add to this list:

@Ginger1741 comment) Have you noticed how early it's getting dark? It's crazy how much the lack of daylight can affect our mood and energy. Do you notice a difference?

@auburn78667You know, the holidays are not always a happy time for everyone. Sometimes they bring up more memories than celebrations. Do you think people overlook that?

@JMRODDo you think people are getting worse at checking in on each other, or have we just gotten better at pretending we are fine?

@Lovenlife143Do you find that little things, like routines, thoughtful gestures, or someone remembering something about you, mean more when life gets overwhelming?

@FAFOSadisticahHave you ever noticed someone becoming quieter or more irritable during times of the year? I wonder how often we mistake someone struggling for someone being difficult.

As applied to D/s it ties back to us all being humans and all deserving of love first. Thank you all.

[Se****]

I used to suffer a lot from seasonal depression. I am here to tell you that if you've recently suffered a loss of any kind, it does get better over time. Cherish the connections you have in your life like kids, family, friends, even coworkers. My family and extended family help keep me anchored during these times without even knowing it. Also, if things get to be too much please reach out to someone and tell them what's going on. There's no shame in seeking help. ❤️

[Ro****]

Just reaching out. Even when it's my turn to respond. I got a lot going on adult kids birthdays, my birthday, recent family loss, thankfully my anchors know my preferred love language is giving me the space to chat about my stressors and give me attention. I hold that same space for them too.

[Lo****]

Definitely. Routine are important to me. Sometimes they even get overwhelming and then my husband will do something as simple as grabbing a pizza and my favorite drink and go for a ride down the back roads. Or when a coworker ask about something that you said mths ago. It definitely is the little things that help. Kindness goes a long way

[ha****]

I meet my friend once a week at the bar and last time he said he has been feeling a bit depressed.
Not sure what else to do but play video games with him and go to the bar every week. This weekend we're going to a concert.

[In****]

I don’t have many friends by choice but it also screws this time of year.