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Why I Was Thinking Of Moving South

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Posted 2/23/2019 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
As anyone who has lived in Maine, United States for as long as I have will tell you, winters in the Pine Tree State are long, cold, and snowy.

And that's a problem for many of those who have issues with depression like I used to.

Even when I began taking psychiatric medications starting in year 2000, I would always have issues with depression every winter. Sometimes I'd get depressed during other times of the year. But the winter was always the hardest time of year for my mental health.

Hence, by 2011, I started to seriously consider moving south of Maine where the winters aren't as cold as they are here in Maine. I even did some traveling that summer not only for vacation purposes, but to also see areas in the southeastern part of America so I could get an idea of what it might be like to live down there.

But I never actually moved south.

Why?

Because during the summer of 2011, I was put on new medication for my psychiatric issues. And after being put on the new medication, I no longer have issues with depression during the winter months here in Maine. Therefore, I decided not to move down south.

So if you have issues with depression every winter, moving to a warmer climate may not be necessary. For many with Seasonal Affective Disorder, medication, psychotherapy, and even light therapy can make the wintertime a lot more easy to manage.
Posted 2/23/2019 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
I live in Northern Lower Michigan. This winter has made me decide to move to Southern Michigan if I can sell my property for enough money. I haven't been real depressed but this was an exceptionally hard winter. We got more snow than we have for a long time. Snow removal is hard at times. We have a snow blower but it is still hard. And when it isn't snowing it is raining which causes treacherous ice. I have lived all of my life up here. But I think I need a break.

You are right about the SAD as they call it. Lack of sun. But we have had very little sun this year, but I take vitamin D3 which really does help. I use to have a light box too. I think it worked. So there are a few things we can do to help ourselves. Good topic. Thanks for posting.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 2/24/2019 12:03 PM (GMT 0)
Wherever I go, I take me with me.
Finding ways to 'get through winter' is not easy. I have a full spectrum lamp that has been a huge help to me. I also take extra D3 from October to May. Medicare does not pay for the test to check the level so I don't take it in the warm months when I can be outside in the sun...this may change quite a bit, since I have skin cancer and now must avoid sunning myself. A couple of years ago, I also started feeding the birds that remain through the winter. Seeing 'life' in the garden never fails to lift my spirits. I indoor garden, as well. Kits for amaryllis, narcissus, hyacinths along with my tropical plants that I bring in for the winter help keep me going.
I hope, one day, to move further south but, for now my home is here until my partner retires.
Posted 2/24/2019 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Sunrooms are a great add to a home for seasonal affective. I plan on adding one and it will be my art studio sewing room, reading room. oh and nature watching room

Moving south considering must be taken for coastal areas. Seas are rising, it is happening! So sad to sad.
Peace
Trina
Posted 2/27/2019 2:22 AM (GMT 0)

MainerMikeBrown said...

Because during the summer of 2011, I was put on new medication for my psychiatric issues. And after being put on the new medication, I no longer have issues with depression during the winter months here in Maine. Therefore, I decided not to move down south.

That's a great outcome. Always a plus when the medicines work...

On the other hand, moving could fix the bigger issues as well. If I had the resources, at least, I feel living someplace good -- and away from the rat race -- would be a potent weapon against the depression. Maybe not a cure, but part of the arsenal.
Posted 2/28/2019 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
I personally see no reason to live in a place that is cold for half of the year. it's a daily struggle that's not all that necessary. Of course, I don't have family or people in my life that need me nearby, so it's easier for me to live anywhere I see fit. I am from a cold climate and my family lives there, but I left a long time ago and I would never return to that lifestyle. I did return once and it was a mistake. I feel like every day it's unenjoyable to go outside, is a day I lost. I am inside quite a bit, but I don't prefer to feel dread about going outside. I can tell you that I am equally depressed regardless of being in better weather - I just have an easier life in the sun. smile
Posted 2/28/2019 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
NSSG,

I am saddened that you still feel depressed. Even in an awesome climate. I hope that one day you will feel better. And if you ever want to talk about it we are here for you.

This winter has been brutal here in Michigan. I am so over it. I hope to move this summer but if it doesn't happen it will be another grueling winter probably. I just want spring to get here soon. We are under about three foot of snow with five foot drifts. But as they say, it is what it is.

I hope this day brings you happiness. Email me if you ever need or want to.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 2/28/2019 10:25 PM (GMT 0)

notsosicklygirl said...
I personally see no reason to live in a place that is cold for half of the year. it's a daily struggle that's not all that necessary.

That's true, but it depends on the person. For me, I would replace "cold" with "hot," especially of the hot and humid variety. You can always escape the cold under a blanket next to a fireplace, for example, but it's harder to evade those hot, sticky sleepless nights. Having experience with both, I'll take the cold with no questions asked...
Posted 3/1/2019 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
It's a desert climate here so it tends to be dry, but it can be very hot. I don't mind the dry heat. The nights can be cold once the sun goes down. I always seem to want what I don't have. When it's dry, I want rain. When it's hot, I want cool. When it's chilly, I want warmth. It would be nice if it were 75 and dry all the time with overnight sprinkles and perhaps an occasional lightning storm at a convenient time. smile AC is necessary in the summers, in the winter, the homes generally aren't built for withstanding too much cold, so a fireplace is great and a big blanket, but I get sick of that quickly. I'd much rather be wearing shorts and not needing to huddle up - except when I sleep. I prefer cool. I'd rather sit by a pool most of the time, or outside under an awning with the sun's rays shining, flowering cacti, sprinklers watering...

Karen thank you. I am not that terribly depressed at the moment but I do realize that moving to a warmer climate didn't change my overall depression. I am and will always be a depressed human being. I should really get treatment but I don't have the energy to deal with insurance or find a doctor.
Posted 3/1/2019 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Here's to hoping one day you do find the energy to get treatment. Medications helped me a lot. And the therapy. Smoking medical marijuana and trying to live in the moment. It didn't all happen at once though. It took years. Many years of trying different medications and having them not work, or work for awhile then side effects that didn't go away. I'd say ten years of trying medications. And many years of not living in the now. That helps a lot. I do things for anxiety too like deep breathing exercises and meditation. I guess it is a combination of many different things and a lot of hits and misses. I know how you feel though. Being depressed can make you feel exhausted.. And you don't have that enthusiasm to start or even try. But one day that may change. And I hope you find what works for you. Because once you do feel better, it is like your whole world changes. Sorry to ramble on. I hope you have a good night...

Hugs, Karen...
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