Hi! I'm new here.

I know this time of year is especially hard for a lot of people. I am definitely struggling. I hope everyone is staying safe.

[Hidden]

This time of year can be especially hard for me, as well. Friends ruminate on hobbies to keep them busy and keep their minds from getting loopy. Others think of new radical ways to remain optimistic about their outlook. It's the season of death, why wouldn't it bring more anxiety and depression, right? But that perspective doesn't make it any less challenging.

Anyway, there are things you can do! If you live in the great white north and are not getting a lot of vitamin D from the sun these days, consider a temporary tanning bed salon membership! You can use the low setting beds so you don't get extra crispy and start with the very low time exposure of course. Enjoy a couple of your favorite songs in your ear buds and get out. You will notice the difference in your mood and may like the way you look also.

Keeping busy with a hobby, exercise, or self improvement of some sort on the daily is another important engagement this time of the year. It may be easy to get bogged down with year end work and personal tasks, but make time for the creative outlets and things that boost your mood. I have to actually make reminders for myself to make time, so I don't totally engulf myself in work and less fulfilling endeavors.

Much love and light to you all ❄️❤️💖

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thx for the ideas! That's very kind of you to share. 💚

[EndUser13]

Welcome! 🙂

[Hidden in reply to EndUser13]

Thx!

[Hb2003]

welcome to this kind site nice to meet you 😄

[Hidden in reply to Hb2003]

Hi! Nice to meet you, too.

[AnxiousSilver]

Welcome.

[Hidden in reply to AnxiousSilver]

Thanks!

[Frankie24]

Hi and welcome, I agree this can be a stressful time of year. I am trying to stay busy but it still gets me down. I think my expectations of how it should be are what make it so hard. My family use to be so large and it was such a happy time. Now sadly many have died and my brother and sisters have all gone their own ways. I am left with a very depressed 80 year old mom who I am trying to help all while juggling End Stage Renal Failure on dialysis. I also have a thirty year old son who I am only continuing dialysis because I don’t want to leave him or my mom alone. I find it very difficult along with Bipolar disorder to to deal with. I will be thinking of and praying for you.❤️🎄

[Hidden in reply to Frankie24]

Thank you. I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts & prayers. 💚

[Frankie24 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

[Hidden in reply to Frankie24]

P.S. I also have Bipolar disorder. I know that having that alone is extremely hard, and on top of everything else can be unbearable. You are one strong person. Hugs.

[Frankie24 in reply to Hidden]

🤗❤️

[kenster1]

hi welcome to you.

[Hidden in reply to kenster1]

Hi! Thank you.

[designguy]

Hello and welcome to the group, hope you find it helpful for you here.

[Hidden in reply to designguy]

Hi! Thank you so much.

[Diamond99]

hello Welcome

[Hidden in reply to Diamond99]

Hi! Thank you 💚