I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) I have forever. Even as a child. Winter, for me, is a hard time. It isn’t actually winter, its the dark grey days. When the sun shines (even if it is cold) I have true joy in my soul.
But over time, I have learned to do many different things to help…the daylight producing light bulbs are a huge relief, getting outside and actually working my body helps, just getting outside helps…my worst thing for me is mild depression ( a feeling of being inexpressibly sad) and a subtle form of anxiety.
Nothing earth shattering —I can still function and move forward within my day. I am NOT a clinical case…if you are wondering.
As I’ve aged I realize that depression is lifted from being outside and viewing the world through my camera. Taking photos give me great joy…and that makes me feel renewed.
Surrounding myself in color is another thing that lifts me up. I even use Christmas lights all year, changing the colors to match the month…Blue for January, Red for February, Green for March, Purple for April, White for May, June, July, August, Gold for September and October, Multi-colored for November and December. I change the colors in my house also (just the table clothes and paper flowers to match the color of the month). That way I have color inside that matches the stunning colors of outdoors.
And paying attention to all those delightful and marvelous living ‘things’ which populate our earth; showing me that each day is a wonder and each day moves us toward another day, which then moves us toward a hint of spring, even if the day we are in (like today) is a firm reminder we are still in winter with cold winds and heavy drifting clouds.
WHEW! That was a LONG sentence!
Well, I apologize from baring my soul to you…but if you suffer from SAD maybe my 70 years of experience on how to help maybe just might help you.
- ´*¨`*• ♡¸.• •❥
From my heart to your world,
Linda
