Winter Blues

Don't medicate yourself. Your problems will only get worse with side effects and who knows what else. Get on some good energy supplements like vitamin c (3000 mg. +) and maybe start an excercise or yoga program. Get out in the sunshine anytime it is out. The vitamin D is good for you and boosts your serotonin levels (feel good hormones). Look into doing some volunteer work. Volunteering can really make someone feel good about themselves knowing they are helping and making a difference. Childrens Hospital in Detroit needs people to hold babies when their families aren't there (and there are alot of babies left alone, I've seen it), also to play with the sick kids, polish little girls nails and style their hair, etc. Try to do something positive, it will make you happy. Good luck.

So sorry to hear! A lot of people get the winter blues..especially in the north where the sun is limited for so long. A vacation would help (of it doesnt ended up being stressful!) but it wont get rid of it completely. Talking to your Dr is a good start..if only to evaluate if he feels it is severe enough to warrant meds. There are several things that you can also try if you and your Dr dont think that you need meds yet... trying to eat more natural things (less hormones the better!), exercise...anything that you like to do..walking, taking a class at the gym, dancing around the house to your favorite music. I found ypga to be especially helpful, it is a great workout but also very relaxing, after a class I feel so good! Also, sit in the sun whenever possible..it sounds crazy but it helps, close ur eyes and turn your face into the warmth, it does wonders.

Rather than putting chemicals into your body, you might want to look at a natural solution. I take (and sell) an awesome product that I'd be happy to share with you that does not have side effects. Send me an e-mail with your e-mail address and "winter blues" in the subject line and I will link you to my web site.

As I read back over this, I realize I should tell you these products are legal! :)

S.
____@____.com

Exercise has been to shown to work just as well as antidepressents for mild depression...so if you are not already, start exercising and see if it helps you! I can definitely tell a difference when I don't exercise, and believe me I'm no athlete. I would try this first before jumping to medication, which can also have side effects. But if you still don't feel right, or at any time are considering hurting yourself or others, seek help right away.

I feel the same, I am going to try Vit B12, I think once Spring comes we will all feel better! I have never felt this way and I feel like you. Try natural approches or exercise or do something special to pamper yourself!! Feel better!

Well first know that you are not alone. Winter is my favorite season and I'm still starting to feel anxious about everything but don't want to do anything at the same time.

Exercise is what works best for me. And next is getting out of the house for a moms night out. It at least takes the edge off and my kids don't get shorted because I'm in a bad mood.

If you need some time out but don't have anyone to do it with my friend and I go out usually on Sunday or Monday nights and get a coffee or sometimes a late dinner. You are welcome to come too, the more the merrier :)

I hope you find something that works and if you want feel free to PM me anytime. I've got 3 little ones so I can relate and I listen really well!

Take care of yourself
K.

I suffer from winter blues too and agree that tanning works (for me) but I was very surprised, when I skimmed through the responses, that no one mentioned exercise. Even if you only exercise 10 minutes a day it helps soooo much!

Hello R., If you have a Big Lots near you, go to the furniture section, and buy your self a lamp(about $30) with the broad spectrum lighting. I sit under mine every day and the winter blues have not been a problem for me for 2 years now. Even in the daytime when I'm watching tv, or on the computur, I keep the lamp on. Good luck.

Hi R. -

I think getting away on vacation will help you to an extent. However, when you return chances are you will go back to the "winter blues". I have seasonal affective disorder on top of my anxiety and depression. Though I take meds year round I find I need an extra boost during the winter months. This year, however, I have been tanning 3 times a week and getting out to stores or malls with lots of bright lighting and that has seemed to help. Your body can't use vitamin D if you don't get out in the sun or some similar lighting. I'd try tanning or mall walking and if you still feel blue then try talking to a therapist and possibly going on meds for a short time. Spring is almost here. If you can hold out by using the tanning and mall lighting to help elevate your moods it might give you a better idea if you need to see someone if the symptoms persist even when the weather changes. If at any time you feel out of control, though, you know that's the time to seek professional help.

Good luck - S.

I'm so glad to see that hardly anyone recommended drugs! They all had very good responses. Getting outside more, sitting in the sunlight, exercise, these are all great and have worked for me for the last eight years. (my child bearing years-when I was stuck indoors more taking care of my 4 children) but now that they are 5,7,9,11, it is so much easier to get outside and we try to do things like dance around, go play in the mud puddles (when the snow melted)go to the library and take field trips (we homeschool) just so we can get out of the house. For a couple or years I would start a new decorating project in my house every Jan.(not expensive- I would challenge myself to see how cheap I could redecorate a room)that seems to help when I had something to look forward to or to keep my mind busy. And of course there was the traveling, more or less for my husbands sanity, we would take two weeks to go to Florida, we are leaving next week but we haven't been there for two years.
Good luck-- get outside more!

Unless and/or until you feel so out of control that you're a danger to your kids, I would not suggest for the life of me to go on meds. That's a major cop out.

Who doesn't go through winter blues? Especially in Michigan, where we've had more January weather than 31 days of January?? Winter blues is not uncommon, but I think putting one's self on meds is way off. There are better ways of dealing with it. Getting enough sunshine? Is there an herb or supplement you could take? Is it maybe just a vitamin deficiency you might be lacking? If you want to go alternative, see if there isn't a bulletin board at a Whole Foods or Better Health store that offers practitioners' services.
Good luck!

I hope this doesn't sound trite, but what about exercise? I'm 6 months pregnant and was having a terrible time sleeping, feeling restless and achy and anxious, and then my husband got a Wii Fit for exercise and it's like night and day. I had been exercising until it got really cold out, so I think having something to do inside (yoga might help you? try YouTube for free videos) is the ticket for me. I hope you feel better soon. I know winter blues are a drag.

I didn't read all the responses you got but if no one else mentioned it I hear very good things about those lights you can buy that mimic sunlight. I think if you google SAD (Seasonal Effectiveness Disorder) light You can buy them online and while I haven't done much research possibly you could get the same result with a reptile sun lamp?

I suffer just like you. I have no energy on cloudy days, which we seem to have a lot in the winter. I take Vitamin D (which is what we receive from the sun, so a supplement is often needed when it is not sunny) and I use special light bulbs that are similar to natural light (not sure what they are called, but you can ask at any store). Best of luck to you...think spring!!

A vacation would be best, but we can't always take them right.. if you can't what we do in our house is get a tan. This sounds silly and we are all pale and never tan for the benefits of the color... but the LIGHT does help your mood. That is what you are missing when the winter blues strikes, sunlight. The artificial light provides the same benefit and you only need to go in for 5 min, you don't have to stay until you are "tanned." It really works...And it's much cheaper than a vacation!

I too feel like I get the "winter blues" and my husband would definitely attest to that!! This year I started working out in a gym. Though it is only two days a week it really seems to help. I am a full-time working mom of a 5 yr old boy and 3 yr old girl, so at first I felt really guilty taking those 2 hours to myself but I have to say my stress level is greatly reduced and I feel better overall.

try tanning~~~especially in the winter months~~~i gives you vitamins that you normally can't get from the sun in the wintertime~~it helps with my depression~~i think i am going to go tanning myself!!

Hope it helps with your self-esteem too!! When you are tan you look better too! Pretend you just went on vacation~~

I agree with everyone else that sunlight, exercise (even a little bit), trying to eat healthier, doing something creative, and spending time with others should definitely give you some improvement. A friend of mine who had Seasonal Affective Disorder recommended getting a light from
www.sunbox.com. Even though they're kind of pricey, it made a huge difference for her, because a lot of the broad spectrum lights you can buy at office supply or craft stores aren't powerful enough. So if the other suggestions don't work for you, it might be something worth trying. Good luck!

I have the same issue. My doctor told me to take Vitamin D3 for the "blue months".

Hope this helps!

HI
A lot of us get that way in the winter. Some of it could be a lack of vit D (actually a hormone our bodies make from sunlight). I'm taking a D3 supplement from trader joes. I'm also exercising a few times a week and that makes the most difference for me. Also focusing on fresh home made foods and way less pre packaged foods. You'll get more of the enzymes our bodies really need(so don't cook your veggies soft). I do think a vacation would help, but you could also try a full spectrum light bulb, yes not as much fun, but more affordable. Maybe go out with a friend. A few years ago I realized I hadn't gone out other than grocery shopping in 3 months (winter) and I was going bonkers. I felt much better after getting out of the house kid free a few times.
If all of that doesn't help seeing your doc for other options might be the thing to do. Personally I try all the natural options first. Like this http://www.hylands.com/products/nervetonic.php I've used the nerve tonic when I thought I'd have a nervous breakdown and it helped.
I wish you the best! A. H

I tried the tanner and it didn't help me. Now I know why, it doesn't have broad spectrum light. Buy the lightbulbsomeone recommended for your lamp.

Also make sure that you get out with your friends. I joined a knitting club, just to learn, and discovered that the time with the women (33 of them age 20 on up), were what I needed. We just talk and laugh for 3 hours. Just take more time for yourself!

I would not go on meds if it is the winter blues. There are so many side effects of both going on and going off. Save that for if it lasts pasts summer. For now, I would (1) - Go to a tanning salon for the next 2 months - some have a play area your kids can play in for the 10 minutes. and (2) Get exercise - with a group of people would give the added social benefit. Many JAZZERCIZE classes offer child care - and they are very FUN!!

My husband suffers from this, and to a certain extend so do I (not as bad though). We got a special light bulb and put it in our lamp in the living room. It puts off a more natural light, and acts similar tot he sun. This is going to sound odd, but I think we got it from Fruit Basket Flowerland, as it is also good for plant growth. I don't remember what it is called. It wasn't horribly expensive, but it is sure bright. You might want tot try that to see if it helps a little bit. At the same time, a trip to your doctor may not be bad - if only to see if there are other things that can help. S/He may perscribe some meds, but may give some other suggestions first.

I agree...tanning even once a week should be enough to help improve your mood. If that doesn't work, check with your doctor. You may have SAD...Seasonal Affective Disorder. It's more prevalent in the northern states because of our long, dreary winters!

Hi R.,
You are not alone. Look into Seasonal Affective Disorder. I find that going to a tanning bed, even on a very low setting, helps me to combat the lack of sunlight.
:) S.

I find myself being sick of winter at just about this time every year. I always feel a little trapped (we call it cabin fever). Last year my husband was working in El Paso, TX in February so my son and I went out to stay with him for a week. It was just what I needed. It was a lot warmer so I could take my son to the park or for a walk while my husband worked and we even got to go to the zoo. I felt I was able to face the rest of the Michigan winter when I got back.
That said, we can't afford to go on a vacation every year, so this year I'm trying to get out of the house more. I also think the sun has something to do with it, so on sunny days, I try to get out, or at least sit by a window and let the sun shine down on me. It seems to cheer me up. There is also something called "Seasonal Affective Disorder" or something like that, which my mom keeps telling me I have. I'm not sure if a doctor can treat it, and I've never seen one about it, but just so you know, other people feel much the same way.
Good luck and hope for spring!! :)

Hi R.

You need some Vitamin D... and get some exercise in with your little boys - eat healthy food and drink water.

If you're interested in feeling better nutritionally, I can steer you in the right direction ... ____@____.com

Take care,
L.

Before you look into medications I would try a few other things.

Look into a broad spectrum light, try to get some exercise in every day ... even if it is just dancing to a couple of tunes with your kids for a few minutes, and take a B-Complex vitamin.

Your body needs B vitamins for every metabolic process in your body .... BUT it is also depleted very quickly when you are stressed in any way (good or bad). Taking a BComplex will boost your energy.

If you can afford a vacation, then by all means... go someplace sunny. It will hlep. In addition, any sunny days we have here.... make sure you get out into the sunshine for as long as the weather will permit.

Winter blues are real, but there are things you can do to combat it...without filling your body with medications.

Hi, I am a pretty upbeat person but had the the blues the last few days, I think it was that warm up got my body "thinking spring". Anyway, try to take a vitamin D supplement. D is supplied by the sun and alot of people have deficiency in the winter months. Also watch your sugar intake. Finally, if you can stand the cold, get outside and take a walk. I went yesterday (in the cold and wind)....just 15 minutes but it really helped. Hang in there...Spring is coming sooner or later!

I think woman tend to get this way more because we voluntarily put our own interests and creative potential on hold while we raise our families. Winter only increases those feelings because we are inside so much and as much as I hate to blame cold weather for my blues, it's a big part of it. Rather than just a weekend getaway, maybe you should stop to think about those things that you really love and indulge yourself with time for that particular activity. I remember one very cold January day where I just sat in a cozy wicker chair positioned in the sunlight and did nothing but read all day. An entire book in a day, it was pure laziness and just what I needed. Five years later, I still remember that endulgence. Right now I am finding my creative side being deprived and am trying to work on filling that need. Just like we need food, sleep and fresh air we also need our brain cells stimulated or they go to sleep. With that said, I think you should give it a good long thought and whatever thing that has been waiting on the fringes of housework, child rearing and wifely duties, move it to the front of the to-do list and just spend an entire day endulging yourself. Then try to do it weekly until spring arrives!

S.

Don't throw away the possibility of seeing a doctor and talking to someone. While all the other options are definitely worth trying, I had a dear friend commit suicide over what everyone termed the 'winter blues' and kept telling her she'd be 'OK.' It's OK to ask for help and get help. It's OK to sometimes get medication temporarily (or not temporarily if that's what you need). It is NOT a cop out. What is a cop out is to feel bad about feeling bad and have others make you feel that way too. Sometimes people need to understand that you are not a bad person for speaking to a therapist or doctor and start with mild anti-depressants, sometimes that's all that is needed to get you through a bad patch and then you can go off - with the help of a therapist. Please do not feel bad if you have tried other avenues and still feel this way.

Young children take a lot out of you. Sometimes the energy you have is drained by seeing to their needs. Please do not feel bad - I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old also and it's all I can do to move my body through the day. This is why many doctors offices are asking women about post-partum depression after they give birth - they know exhaustion among mothers with young children is real.

So, try excercise and vitamins, etc.. - but if that doesn't do it, you are not a bad person for reaching out to a doctor and getting help. Please understand that. I wish my friend did. I also wish other 'well-meaning' friends did too.

can you get your vitamin D levels checked? It makes a difference, but you don't want to overdue it (although that is pretty difficult to do in MI in the winter!).
If your levels are too low, that could have everything to do with how you are feeling.

I'm with you on this one... :-) I will be so happy when the weather breaks and I feel like my normal self again (as I look out the window and see the snowflakes drifting down.)

Vacations only take you away and distract you momentarily. You still have all the everyday stuff waiting for you when you get back. AND you have to still care for the kids while your whereever... And the $$$$ for going somewhere and being "touristy"...

I tend to get refueled by a "womens retreat". A bunch of us moms will abandon our hubbys with our kids, get a hotel room or two, and act silly for the weekend... Heres the fun part. No alcolol... Talking, laughing, catch a show, eat out, swim in the pool,get massages, what ever... Our group tends to stay up till all hours of the night and laugh until someone hyperventilates... :-) You don't have to leave town... Unless you can't do anything in the small town... Or you want to. :-)

Its not really the leaving your home that rejuvinates you. Its all the laughter and friendships renewed... And when you come back your voice may hurt... But not from telling your 4 yr old to get off the 2 yr old for the millionth time today... (I also have a 4 and a 2 yr old boy)

If this feeling is something that worsens or lingers consistently for a while, then yes... Maybe go to a dr and see what they say...
until then.... on the days that the sun does happen to shine throw open the curtains and plop down in a chair right in the sunlight and read the kids a stack of books... Spring will be here soon... Atleast thats what the calendar says. :-)

Hi R.,

Well I don't think this is so uncommon actually. I think a lot of people go through this especially moms. We have a lot of people depending on us and the pressures of life can get overwhelming.

In my opinion...
It is hard to give any advice with not knowing the whole situation around there? There could be so many factors of the why this is happening. What I would say though is if it were me I would be very careful on going the med.'s route too soon.

Again just my opinion, but I feel that many times they pass them out to make life easier instead of finding and dealing with the problem causing the depression or sadness or how ever you want to describe how you are feeling.
That is not to say that they are cases out there that defiantly needed some . Just be sure there is no other route.

As far as what is going on...
I would suggest to look at your life, maybe even make a list of the good and the bad that you see in your everyday living. Sometimes when we write things down we can get a clearer perspective as to just what is really going on around us. It kind of clears the fog from the reality sorta speak.

But for this to really be effective you must be totally honest with yourself. You can not avoid putting things down because "You feel it might hurt someones feelings, It wouldn't be the right thing to say or I shouldn't feel this way because".... You see, the truth is just what it is and we can't get through things if we don't take the time to really face that there is a problem.

After finishing your list look at it from an outsiders point of view. What would you suggest to them?
Funny how we can always have great advice in helping others yet we don't ever give ourselves the same kind treatment.

Sometimes the problem maybe be something serious that really needs dealing with, but we have been hiding from it or it may be something as simple as asking for help around the house or having someone watch the kids for a day so you can have personal time. I am a big one for not asking for help believe me and I pay a big price for it.

On a personal level, I have found that in my down times if I am honest with myself I realize I have forgotten just who I AM. I am always so busy doing things for other people I rarely have time for myself.

For instance I love to do art but haven't in many many years. And I miss it! Or having the day in the house to myself to turn the music up and listen to something I like. Have a hot bubble bath with no one knocking on the door with a question. lol
Anything like this...Just some personal time...
Even if it is getting out of the house once a week to go for a walk or better yet maybe go to a gym and work out. It helps clear the mind, make the body stronger and just makes you feel strong all over.

If all else fails look around at your surroundings and again be honest. Is the house in need of a good cleaning or is it disorganized? This can cause your mood to reflect the same thing or so I have found anyways.

A house is hard enough to keep up on your own but with a family it tends to get crazy! lol Now on the other side of that coin...if you area person who's house is in perfect order and always clean...think about taking a day off and say forget it and just do something fun for the day. It won't go away trust me ...it will be there when you get back. lol

And on a final note. my favorite... I move the furniture around to give the place a new feel to it. Even the kids seem to like the change. And when things get to me really bad...I PAINT the room...lol

Take care of yourself and stay strong... reach deep inside yourself and see the person who is there under all this sadness or blues...Things will be ok!

I suffer from seasonal depression. My doctor has advised that I take increased doses of vitamin D. And, she also said...as much as she hates them because of the risk of cancer, to go to the tanner once or twice. But, also, not to make tanning a regular thing because of the risks involved with skin cancer. There are also lights you can purchase that act like the sun...without tanning. I have not tried them and cannot remember where you can get them. I also heard that they can be quite pricey.

The vitamin D she prescribed to me was something like 30000 IUs or something like that. It did wonders for me. So, maybe check with your doctor about natural things you can do to combat the blues.

Hang in there.

Hi,
I have read alot of articles on this and the reason (most say) is the lack of sun! The sun is the only natural source of vitamin D and a vitamin D defficiency has been linked to many depression problems i.e. S.A.D.(seasonal affective disorder, winter blues,... I understand many people have a negative oppinion of indoor tanning however YOU WILL feel better even after 1 visit. For about $4.00 you can take a few minutes get warm and relax! Even my Doctor has started running patience vitamin D levels thru routine blood work and recommends a few minutes at the salon! It could really make a difference!Good luck and remember...It's almost over!!