Dark = anxiety and depression

[foxglove_pnw]

At this time of the year , It gets dark so early where I live ! 😩 I am counting the months for the winter to end !!

Right now , as I am trying to chill and get ready for bed ....My health anxiety is driving me crazy ! Any odd and unusual sensations makes me panic ! I haven’t been able to get a good night sleep in awhile ! I don’t remember the last time I felt so depressed like this !

I am on day 8 of Lexapro ! I just took 0.5 of Lorazepam to see if I can sleep today.

How do you guys deal with the winter and dark / rainy days ?

[Traveller85]

Hi,

I know how you feel about the dark and gloomy days. I had a similar feeling when I lived in NY. A couple things:

1_Lexapro takes 2 to 4 weeks to really start working, to change your brain chemistry. Ask the doctor about increasing the dose if it’s a low starting dose.

2) have you tried a light box? It mimics sunlight for the brain and spending 15 mins a day in front of the light box can really help. I have one.

I also suffer from depression and anxiety, I hope it gets better for you soon.

[foxglove_pnw in reply to Traveller85]

Thank you so much ! I just raised the dose today ! I have thought about buying one ! Maybe I will give it a try . Sunrise is almost at 8 am and sunset is like 4:30 ish pm everyday !

[Michael8072]

Sending you hugs. Hope you can get some rest this evening and a good night sleep.

We're halfway through January. Counting the days till spring is here and the sun will be out longer. Totally understand how you feel.

[foxglove_pnw in reply to Michael8072]

Thank you Michael ! Thanks for letting me know I am not alone !

[Michael8072 in reply to foxglove_pnw]

You are never alone here. I wish you a peaceful night sleep.

[JEG325 in reply to Michael8072]

You aren't either, my friend. Listen, M8072, Foxglove, ACA85, I have 2 chat lines here that have 11 people each on them. I'm currently taking names for 'Circle Of Friends #3'. The chat lines are open 24/7 and can be utilized at your convenience once you become a member. There is no cost, no pressure, no rules. Just chat when you want when there is activity on your chatline. If you want instant gratification, you can join the other chat lines and become member 12, 13 & so on....Just a friendly offer from someone who doesn't want to see anyone be lonely!

[Traveller85 in reply to JEG325]

Thank you for the welcome. How do I join the chats?

[JEG325 in reply to Traveller85]

You choose either a new one (Circle of Friends #3) or a current busier one, (Circle Of Friends #1 or 2) or all 3 if you want lots of opportunities to talk. You indicate your choice and then I add you to the list. Anytime someone is talking, the chat symbol at the top left of your page will light up. If you tap it, you immediately go to the chat site. On the bottom of that page there is a box to type messages (or responses) in and underneath that is a blue send button. Type your message/response and hit send. When you want to respond again, repeat. You can always go there and read the current conversations that are going on, especially if you want to acquaint yourself with the line of conversation before you join. That's pretty much it! Now, group 3 is just beginning to form and you may have to wait a few days while I line up at least 5 more people to join before I launch it. If you want on the other 2, there will likely be plenty of action on them as soon as 4 or 5 hours from now. It's your call....

[Traveller85 in reply to JEG325]

That’s great, can you add me to the two established chats please? Thanks!

[JEG325 in reply to Traveller85]

You have been added. Your chat button will light up when either chat line is active. Welcome aboard, my friend!

[JEG325 in reply to Traveller85]

Note: We use our first names on the chat line because it on the pm, a private message zone on this site. No one outside of the group will ever get any of those mesages you are sending. The groups make an excellent sounding board when you're feeling down or lonely. Our current memers are friendly, helpful and supportive. Okay?

[JEG325]

Agree with everyone here. I find that when I spend 20 to 30 minutes in direct susnhine, I feel a heck of a lot better. Fortunately, I live in Florida where I can do that more often. Now, if I just remembered too.....

[foxglove_pnw in reply to JEG325]

Yes , enjoy your Florida sun and send me a box full of it ! We don’t get much of it here in the Pacific North West ! ☀️

[JEG325 in reply to foxglove_pnw]

Sorry, I know better but, constantly forget to take advantage of it! Shame on me!

[RAYOFHOPE88]

I'm always attached to my heating pad in the winter. Muscle tension worsens when I'm cold so I try to keep circulation flowing. Warm sleepy time teas can help you with rest. Try watching videos of birds singing, flowers blooming, and the sun shining on YouTube. I do it all the time.

[foxglove_pnw in reply to RAYOFHOPE88]

Those are awesome ideas ! Thanks !

[RAYOFHOPE88 in reply to foxglove_pnw]

You're welcome ☺.