Winter Blues and Depression

[rosie cheeks]

I don't know if any of you can relate but I sure hope I'm not all alone in this. I feel like it's very difficult for me to get and stay motivated this time of year. I never want to leave the house, I always feel like crying, I can't stay on a diet, I just don't even want to do a thing other than sleep and eat.

I know it sounds terrible but I know you will understand, people on this board are always so wonderful. I always miss you guys when I'm gone for a few weeks. Anyway, if any of you can relate to feeling this way every year at this time, please speak up so I know I'm not all alone. Thanks for listening to the rant.

[mattsmom]

Rosie.... you are not alone! ALOT of people experience what you are feeling during the winter months and around the holidays! I know when it is cold I don't want to workout BUT I do because I know it will make me feel better (and it always does!) I am also a bit sad with my son being 16... he doesn't really want to do the 'holiday traditions' we used to do together...decorate the tree, bake cookies. So I feel ya girl! Hang tough it will get better!

[fit mom of 4]

You are FOR SURE not alone!! I definitely feel worse this time of year. The best thing to do is find a plan you can LIVE with and that will help to even out hormones etc. and continue to workout even on a day you don't feel like it cuz you WILL feel better after.
PM me if you'd like to talk more details...

[firespinner93]

I go through it, too. This past week has been horrible because it's done nothing but rain, so I couldn't get outside to walk or do my sprints. Training really does help, though. If I can get to the gym and get 15 minutes into the workout, I can get into it and my depression will lift for a while.

If your problem is serious, you may want to consider the lights they make especially for Seasonal Affective Disorder (appropriately abbreviated SAD). They are special lights which artificially replace the UV rays you don't get in the winter. I haven't used them myself, but I could see where they could be a big help.

I do hope you get to feeling better.

[SandyFit]

You are not alone. Today I just feel like climbing in bed and staying there! Everything looks so grey out! It is not today that is soo bad, it is that I know we will have so many of these days before we see any color and feel any warmth! It is so tough living here in the Winter!

[KatieKate]

Rosie, many people go through this. Have you looked into supplementing with vitamin D?

[beautyinprogress]

You're not alone at all. I grew up in New England and I was always unhappy during the winter months. I know this isn't always an option, but I moved to Florida 6 years ago. and the weather change has helped me out a lot. Which means vitamin D supps. might be a good idea.

[Trish]

Hi Rosie,
You are totally not alone. I go through this all the time. Last year I totally let go and have not been the same. So now, a year later I am worse off.

I would suggest trying to get to the gym so you don't get to the point I am now were you just wont go and feel even worse.

I got on some anidepressants and they helped a little but I just haven't been consistent with them. I still feel awful and I feel awful because I have continuasly just sunken in lower and lower. I am in that point now were I feel I must get out of this and as soon as I try I give up again.

[Artemisia]

I know how you feel. This time of year is always tough for me because I suffered a major bout of depression back in my first year of college (about six years ago) - my best friend had abandoned me; I had wrecked my GPA and didn't know how to tell my parents their star student had failed her first quarter at school; I was falling apart when I came home for winter break...and now, even though things are so much different, just the smell of the cool, crisp winter air; the feeling of a warm house in winter; the sight of gray skies and skeletal trees...sometimes it brings it all back and I feel like I have a huge weight on me. Those times were horrible; I barely wanted to leave my bed or do anything at all. It hits me from time to time during this season even though I have nothing to be so sad about anymore.

You are definitely not alone.

[Lynzbabe]

Hi Rosie,

It's normal to feel this way during the winter season. It's tough because there is no sunshine or hott weather to keep us sane. It's important to remember that we CHOOSE to feel happy, sad, depressed, excited, etc. CHOOSE to be happy, and YES you CAN stick to a diet. I know you can girl! You have the power to stick to it. You are in control of your life. Start with small affirmations on a daily basis.

You got this ...now go full force and kick winter's butt!