And how are you feeling?

[clementinefemme]

Really feeling that seasonal depression. If anyone has any tips, (supplements, etc.) I'd be appreciative (besides a sunlamp, which I already use).

[AlexF]

Have you tried Vitamin D in addition to the sunlamp? I have used it myself and it has helped me.

All the best!

Originally Posted by clementinefemme

Really feeling that seasonal depression. If anyone has any tips, (supplements, etc.) I'd be appreciative (besides a sunlamp, which I already use).

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by clementinefemme

Really feeling that seasonal depression. If anyone has any tips, (supplements, etc.) I'd be appreciative (besides a sunlamp, which I already use).

Other than the vitamin D that AlexF mentioned, supplements usually aren't taken in my experience. There are medications but require prescriptions. Almost all of the articles I found list these as the best way to combat S.A.D. : exercise, social connectivity and light. Basically, trick your eyes and mind into thinking it's lighter, brighter happier times.

When I developed S.A.D., I'd moved from FL to WA in February. I went from a moderate temperature and crisp, sunny skies to a persistent pearl grey sky and rain that stung my face and eyes like cold needles when it struck me. Also, it was 32 degrees. Huge difference. Throw in that I was in a brand new place and didn't know anyone except my partner and pets, depression was pretty much inevitable.

Unfortunately, I didn't really pull myself out of it consciously so I can't offer you any real wisdom there. It just kind of wandered off into the shadows after a few months but it was rough until it did and it's never 100% gone. It pops up now and again but much less than before. By the time it did wean off a bit, I had a good very social job and I had made some friends and I was enjoying life more so there's definitely something with that whole social component. COVID has really screwed that up for folks now.

Exercise would give you endorphins and that helps. I felt lighter and had a more positive outlook after a workout, even the light ones or the ones where I didn't accomplish what I wanted. Now, I take walks regularly and even the ones when I'm dragging a bit or just puttering around help me feel better than before I started.

I find myself more productive during daylight so this dark before 5pm thing is not helping me organize my craft room! I do sit in front of the screen more than I should but nothing like it used to be all those years ago.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. I think if you can scrounge up the effort to get yourself up and at 'em doing whatever makes you happiest, it might help. I hope you feel better.

For myself....currently....I am procrastinating taking my nightly walk. It's cold out there! The low for tonight is 18 degrees. My little grey hoodie won't cut it tonight. Mama's gonna bring out the big guns. I won't be able to hear the sounds of the night because of all the swish, swish, swish in my ears from the hood but I'll be toasty warm and I feel that's not a bad thing.

[GeorgiaMa'am]

My down spirits are usually holiday-related this time of year - a result of growing up wondering why my family wasn't like the Brady Bunch.

I'm feeling pretty good and prepared for the upcoming holiday season. Going to get Uber delivery for the Thanksgiving meal, and spend it with two good friends. I ordered my holiday cards and stamps, and it will take me some time to fill all of those out and mail them. I haven't started gift shopping yet, but hopefully I can get to that soon. I'm going to just have a small tree in my bedroom this year - some friends are going to decorate my bedroom for the season.

These are a few holiday traditions I like to stick with every year, as they keep me from getting the blues. Another important thing for me to remember is to have _no_expectations_. I get back about half the number of holiday cards I send out, but everyone seems to enjoy getting mine. People are like, "I enjoy reading your newsy cards! I just don't have time any more at the holidays and so I quit sending them." I get phone calls and emails instead.

One holiday tradition I won't be able to keep up with this year is baking cookies. What with COVID, who could I give them to, anyway? I might make one or two batches for myself and my friends who come over. But honestly, I don't know if I will have the energy to do so. We'll see. Hopefully my self-imposed holiday puttering will ward off the seasonal blues.

[akiza]

Je suis morte de fatigue 😥not only because of school but ne the usual i hate feeling on autopilot

[GeorgiaMa'am]

ELATED! I spoke to the oncology doctor and the PET scan showed that they got all the cancer out when they did the surgery. Yay! Basically, I am cancer free!

I still have to do the chemo, though, just in case there are any microscopic particles of cancer floating around that are too small for the PET scan to catch. But it will be worth it. The chemo will give me a 50% better chance that there will be no recurrence.

[Kelt]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaMa'am

ELATED! I spoke to the oncology doctor and the PET scan showed that they got all the cancer out when they did the surgery. Yay! Basically, I am cancer free!

I still have to do the chemo, though, just in case there are any microscopic particles of cancer floating around that are too small for the PET scan to catch. But it will be worth it. The chemo will give me a 50% better chance that there will be no recurrence.

[FireSignFemme]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaMa'am

ELATED! I spoke to the oncology doctor and the PET scan showed that they got all the cancer out when they did the surgery. Yay! Basically, I am cancer free!

I still have to do the chemo, though, just in case there are any microscopic particles of cancer floating around that are too small for the PET scan to catch. But it will be worth it. The chemo will give me a 50% better chance that there will be no recurrence.

That's such great news for you and your loved ones. What a kick ass way to start off/head into the new year - congrats!

[Kätzchen]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaMa'am

ELATED! I spoke to the oncology doctor and the PET scan showed that they got all the cancer out when they did the surgery. Yay! Basically, I am cancer free!

I still have to do the chemo, though, just in case there are any microscopic particles of cancer floating around that are too small for the PET scan to catch. But it will be worth it. The chemo will give me a 50% better chance that there will be no recurrence.

That is so awesome, Georgia! There are several people in my life here at home who are battling cancer; so I know how special it is to get a positive outcome like this. Hooray for you!

[homoe]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaMa'am

ELATED! I spoke to the oncology doctor and the PET scan showed that they got all the cancer out when they did the surgery. Yay! Basically, I am cancer free!

I still have to do the chemo, though, just in case there are any microscopic particles of cancer floating around that are too small for the PET scan to catch. But it will be worth it. The chemo will give me a 50% better chance that there will be no recurrence.

Wonderful news indeed! So happy for you GeorgiaMa'am....

[homoe]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaMa'am

My down spirits are usually holiday-related this time of year - a result of growing up wondering why my family wasn't like the Brady Bunch.

I'm feeling pretty good and prepared for the upcoming holiday season. Going to get Uber delivery for the Thanksgiving meal, and spend it with two good friends. I ordered my holiday cards and stamps, and it will take me some time to fill all of those out and mail them. I haven't started gift shopping yet, but hopefully I can get to that soon. I'm going to just have a small tree in my bedroom this year - some friends are going to decorate my bedroom for the season.

These are a few holiday traditions I like to stick with every year, as they keep me from getting the blues. Another important thing for me to remember is to have _no_expectations_. I get back about half the number of holiday cards I send out, but everyone seems to enjoy getting mine. People are like, "I enjoy reading your newsy cards! I just don't have time any more at the holidays and so I quit sending them." I get phone calls and emails instead.

One holiday tradition I won't be able to keep up with this year is baking cookies. What with COVID, who could I give them to, anyway? I might make one or two batches for myself and my friends who come over. But honestly, I don't know if I will have the energy to do so. We'll see. Hopefully my self-imposed holiday puttering will ward off the seasonal blues.

I have a sneaking suspicion more people than usual may be sending out Holiday cards this year. And on a more personal note, I remember being in the postcard exchange with you and loved all you sent me! In fact I have the Coca-Cola one in a small frame...

[GeorgiaMa'am]

Originally Posted by homoe

I have a sneaking suspicion more people than usual may be sending out Holiday cards this year. And on a more personal note, I remember being in the postcard exchange with you and loved all you sent me! In fact I have the Coca-Cola one in a small frame...

I would love it if sending out holiday cards became a thing again. They're fun to get in the mail. They're festive to hang in the house. They're good reminders to people that they are important in your life.

You were great at sending postcards, too, homoe. That was a fun project! I still have several of yours . . .

[Stone-Butch]

We had a few days of really nice weather and although it has turned cold no snow so all is well. Clear and cool is nice weather for me.

[Lecheloco]

I am feeling very optimistic about my new career.
I started yesterday and today I am looking forward to going to work, it has been quite a minute since I have felt like that

[Orema]

Better. Found a huge lump on my collar bone this weekend. Doctor was able to see me today and after examining it he told me it osteoarthritis and assured me it had noting to do with parathyroid problem. I was concerned because it’s close to my parathyroid.

When I found it on Saturday, my first thought was, oh, I’ve lost so much weight I can feel my bones. LOL

I stopped smiling when this “bone” was only on one side of my body.

Feeling much better.

[Stone-Butch]

Slowly getting through this holiday season and trying to keep my head above water with depression. I have spent most of it watching tv and a bit of time in here. After losing my best friend/cousin, I find out she was cremated and kept away from all her friends, not buried with her husband or mom and dad so none can go to pay respects and I spoke to a close friend of hers down home and they are all very upset, no funeral to attend and no grave to oversee. These were closer to her than family for many many years. I feel very sad for them also as they are all older women and most are living alone and they all hung out together. Life is not fair at times so even if I get down there no connection will be made. I hope her daughter gets some satisfaction from keeping her on her mantle.

[Orema]

Dreading that I'm getting ready to list my place back on the market. Which means I've got to start looking for places again, placing offers, accepting offers. Sitting in parking lots while people view my place. I would gladly shop, dine alone, check out a movie, visit some nearby friends, hang out in local book stores, shoot some pool with the local yokels.... but of course I can't.

I'm having a hard time being graceful and appreciative about this move. It will be joyful once I find a place. More than anything I think it's being in limbo that has me out of joint. Half my shit is packed in the garage. Thank goodness Mitzi and I labeled all the boxes. Last week I needed mango butter and bees wax. Was able to find them.

Feeling good about my cannabis concoctions. The canna-coconut oil and salve I made came out great and the salve is way less expensive than buying from the dispensary. I'll post the recipes if anyone is interested.

[Bèsame*]

Thrilled!
My bestie from high school is planning to visit! It looks like the summer if all things go smooth for travelers. Once she gets here we will be taking a road trip. Find all the beaches we can as we head towards the Caribbean sea. Well, I think it's a blend of many waters. I'm just thinking of all the girl chat time!

It's good to have something to look forward too!

[clay]

Getting married in 41 days to THE love of my life. We are having so much fun picking her lacy, light pink dress, and wild socks for my feet. I put on my tux the other night for her...she was so happy...she has never seen a woman in a tux. She is ordering wild socks with butterflies on a pink background for me to wear with my leather Italian dress shoes! Trying to decide on a vest, cumberbund, & bowtie color...perhaps a pastel pink to match her.

IN a few weeks we will begin consolidating our respective households, as I am moving with her! She owns her own home.

Parting ways each Sunday evening is getting really OLD! BUT we have 9 days when we get married, she is taking vacay...we are going to daytrip around the state. We want to sell her place for a bigger place, with a pool & garden space!!

[FireSignFemme]

Pretty dang good. I did the math and discovered I can have my debt completely paid off in four months if I Scrooge it, am dilligent about it. Or just six if I afford myself a bit of fun each month, and that's without any additional COVID relife monies. It would sure be great if we get another stimulus check but I'm not banking on it. However if we do, I'm going to reward myself with something major I've been wanting for a very long time – a freezer! For which I will pay cash. Lesson learned.