Is it the time of year for anxiety???

I agree with scardycat about the fact that the forum has been very busy lately. I wonder sometimes if my therapist was right...much more anxiety during the fall months. I personally find autumn to be a trigger for my anxiety....a beautiful season yet a precursor for the cold winter months (which I'm not a fan of) and of course the holidays, which can be fun but also can be very hectic and sometimes depressing for certain folks. I cant say I've never had anxiety during other times of the year but I've always found that Fall is my worst time, next to the months of January and February. There are a million things that can trigger anxiety but, for me,this time of year is one of the worst and it's really hit me hard this year. I worry about expenses during the cold months, juggling the family issues to try and prepare for a happy holiday season where everyone isn't having some "issue" with a sibling or something like that, and hoping beyond hope that maybe we can have holidays reminiscent of the innocent, joy-filled ones i had as a child. As the older, sort of matriarch of the family, all I want is peace and harmony with my children and grandchildren and that's not always easy to achieve...this one's mad at that one, blah blah blah and to me it just takes all the pleasure out of a time that should be so joyful. So I'm working on all this but just wondered if others have this or other times of the year when they find their anxiety has kicked into high gear.

Ahh winter time is definitely the main anxiety/depression cause here in Sweden.
Less amount of daylight, getting dark in the middle of the day, snow covering everything for 4-5 months (well, it is a very nice landscape view actually, but...)

Totally agree!!! Autumn makes me feel nostalgic and introspective which can invoke depressed feelings and anxiety. My first bout with anxiety and then depression (I'm "blessed" with both ), happened in Oct 1993 in college.

I don't know about you all, but this year has been one of my toughest struggles. Time is healing but dang it has stunk!

I'm a Christian but I also believe that the way planets are aligned, moons etc, affect us. What I know about this year that makes total sense to me is, there are 4 planets aligned in such a way that only happens every 84 years. Because of this, this year has been rough for many ppl, not just those prone to struggles. These planets are supposed to get back where they belong at the beginning of the year. That can't happen soon enough!

And yes, the winter.. I seriously have PTSD after last winter. Snow, record low temps, pure hell in the Midwest. I'm anti tanning beds but if this winter proves similar to last, I may go once or twice/week for light therapy!

You def aren't alone Andwes in your observations.

Sending everyone peace & love!
Lisa

My Plan for this winter is to hit the hot tub at the local health club whenever it gets real cold. also to stay at a hotel once a month for one night. My house is really cold.[code]

Our first heavy snow storm of the year. So much to worry about. Where do I start? The snow will break many branches of trees. The trees will fall over the driveway so the plow truck cannot come. Will school be cancelled? Will I be able to get ut my driveway and get to school? And the always present question? Will I feel good enough to go to school as I am expected to be there tomorrow morning? So far I am handling all the questions o.k. I am snuggled up with my dog about to watch something on TV.

Ah yes, the planets....I have to say that I do believe those things (especially full moons) have a strong effect on those of us with anxiety. As I'm sure you all know, they say visits triple to the ER during full moons. I asked someone (in the know) once why the moon affects so many of us. The response was that, just like the moon affects the tides, it also affects the pull on fluid surrounding the brain, thus making people act out of sorts, and like alot of us GAD/panic sufferers, a tremendous increase in anxiety. I have had ongoing panicky attacks over the last few months and I can't seem to find the reason. Yes, I have family and financial issues, but I always have those and I don't always have anxiety with them. But lately, yikes, I'm like a shaky mess...mind is racing, seemingly no control over my feelings or panic, just feeling that old "not myself" feeling that I hate so much. So now that I hear these planets are going to realign the first of the year, I can't WAIT for 2015!!!!!

Oh man! Seriously. I have a pretty big underlying fear of winter. Winter is my biggest enemy! I can totally relate with you andwes! My house is COLD as can be during the winter. Outside is COLD as can be. My hands turn into ice cubes at 50 degrees, so imagine when it gets to freezing!

But I will say this Fall season has been especially lovely. So nice, so warm, so refreshing and SO PRETTY! All those beautiful trees, such amazingly vivid colors. I'm not usually a Fall person, but this year I am!

Anyone have any WINTER coping skills? Sure could use them! So far I only have 2 tricks up my sleeve. 1. The world's warmest jacket
2. Winter-proof the house, somehow. :)

Andwes

Yes! Unfortunately, the fall also triggers my anxiety (as if it wasn't already bad enough, for crying out loud)!

I know it's tough being the 'matriarch' of the family and all the duties and responsibilities that come with that territory. It's funny because before you even mentioned that I had always thought of you as a "leader". You set such a fine example to your family and they are so lucky (or rather blessed) to have you!

It's tough being the "Queen Bee" but someone's got to do it!

Thanks for being a dear friend!

Cornell