seasonal stress and anxiety (in cold climate)

When lyme is at its worse point , theres things that seem impossible to do, so you dont do it, with a good excuse.
But then it adds up. And someday your better and can do these things, but now there is a LOT to catch up on.

Every year I complain about lack of light and seasonal stress (ha ha, yes I do), and although I prob had some degree of SAD in the past (which is greatly improved after lyme and thyroid management and diet), I do oddly get more anxiety in the cold dark fall and winter, even before the snow sticks/stays. Depression, not so much, I know having felt the difference.

Summers light and warmth, Im pretty kicked back- and what I dont get done can be done on another summers day. But fall and winter? Ugg!! The cold approaching is a sign that there's not much time left till next year.

Winter climates can be costly - more true If you are your sole provider and/or financially challenged. For do-it-yourselfers, exterior house maintenance and auto work is hard or in some cases, impossible to do yourself untill it warms. Last few years was weather challenging too. Only four months of continuous above 32F was not much. Stuff seems to happen in winter, its hard on everything.

The "what might happen" is an issue with some people and Id guess its from past real / learned experiences. As much as I dislike hot environments, you can still do things in it, just need more brakes for your body, and as far as other stuff: liquids still flow, things still dry, and things dont get stuck or brake from brittleness.

Stress elimination is part of good health, its DIRECTLY related, so dont fool yourself.

As far as holiday stress, I dont get that..remember that is controllable, dont over do it and "retrain" your family if that is the problem. Learn to say no.

Note: I dont think SAD lights effect anxiety(?), wrote about them in the past here. I do think a gradual timed "light alarm" would be a great way to get up in the dark though vs annoying alarm in AM pitch darkness.

***Obviously im venting here, looking at my "to do" list that wont get done this fall. !!***

Just wondering who can relate and what you've found helps.

Why not move to a warmer climate?

Astroman, I've spoken to a friend that has hashimoto's thyroiditis, and she starts experiencing early morning anxiety when it gets darker in the winter, that is, when she has to get up and go to work when it's completely dark outside. She says she has very dark thoughts and fear, and then as the darkness outside clears up she starts feeling normal. It's like this every winter.
This year she started supplementing with vitamin D and says that the anxiety hasn't kicked in so far.
There are also light therapy lamps that could be useful, psychologically. I know this light therapy is a thing all throughout nordic countries.

I know several people who have had good results with lights for anxiety. One friend even got off a long-term Xanax prescription using light! I have read that they are best used earlier in the day, though (as opposed to at dinner) so as not to interfere with sleep, but I know it can be tough to find a time you are in one place for a long enough stretch to use it.

I like your idea of a light alarm!

My partner gets SAD (but it's really more anxiety than depression) and benefits greatly from vitamin D, 5HTP, and St John's Wort in the winter, in addition to the full-spectrum lamp. That said, the most benefit seems to be derived from simply getting outside for a hike or bike ride. Even once per week has a tremendous effect on mood, energy, focus, digestion, aches and pains, etc. Hope you find something simple that helps, too.

I live in the Northeast, and everyone I know has had a crappy week, isn't feeling well, is complaining a lot, stressed, etc. The seasonal effect on our bodies is real, even for healthy people!

Girlie said...

astroman said...
I think a lot of northerners have a love/hate relationship of where they live. Most were born there, have connections (good for jobs) and family near. Most of the boarder states have nice but short summers, not to mention cool lakes and natural forest areas. We pay for it in the winter..

Unless you’re on the coast like I am.
Winters aren’t very cold even thigh were northern.

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Northwest coast doesn't count lol. Nice area. You guys have it easy temp wise, still shorter days though and cloudy.

Eating lunch right now and the snow has mostly thawed, warm enough to get some more outside stuff done. Got some help and reroofed and retrimmed my garage in the 40' F's just before this last snow (metal/alloy trim covering, no more painting that again!!). Didnt think it would happen, a dream come true, shingles were in real bad condition, but amazingly did not leak yet (only in the corners/typical).. Half a$ much invested vs a roofing contractor.

That beat the crap out of my body though!! I was sore for a week, was a little worried, but unlike with lyme, I have recovered. Major stressor gone getting that done before the snow stays.

Post Edited (astroman) : 11/16/2019 12:22:45 PM (GMT-7)