FALL BACK
As I started to get older I began to realize I was becoming more and more negatively affected by the change of seasons. Fall has always been the toughest of those for me.
The Fall season was always a reminder that Winter is approaching quickly. Here in the Northeast, Winter is cold, damp, and windy. It’s also dark and can be lonely. For me, the thought of Winters dreariness wasn’t much to look forward to.
My feelings of sadness always started around Labor Day and if I’m being honest as the weekend approached for the Fall Back or the scheduled time change I would be in a full-blown depression.
When do we turn the clocks back in 2021?
Sunday, November 7, 2021, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned backward 1 hour to Sunday, November 7, 2021, 1:00:00 am local standard time instead. Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier on Nov 7, 2021, than the day before. It will be lighter in the morning. Also called Fall Back and Wintertime.
When I was diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD,) to be honest I thought it was a made-up, fake condition.
It always started for me in late August. As a single mom, the thought of needing to buy school supplies, uniforms, and winter coats was stressful. The fear of not being able to provide for my kids drained my energy and left me feeling hopeless and worthless.
SAD is a type of depression that occurs and is related to changes in the season as well as changes in your internal clock.
Knowing the holidays were approaching caused even more stress.
When I started to chronically oversleep, lost interest in my work, and was obsessive about keeping the curtains closed, shutting out the light I knew I needed help.
SAD is common. There are over 3-million cases diagnosed every year in the United States.
It’s perfectly normal to have occasional bouts of the blues or to find yourself in a bit of a funk. These are our body’s way of telling us to slow down a bit, to recharge our batteries. To get yourself out of a funk try:
- Sit by a window at work and at home
- Keep your house well lit
- Take a walk or at least get outside for a few minutes every day.
- Set goals and make plans
- Start a new hobby
- Exercise
I am a firm believer in maintaining a positive mindset and I manage to stay positive by always having something to look forward to.
If your blues last for more than a few days, if you start to dread activities you used to enjoy, if you feel like you have nothing to look forward to, aren’t eating or sleeping properly, and especially if you are having thoughts of suicide it’s time to call your doctor.
Treatment for SAD may be as simple as light therapy, counseling, and in more serious cases, medication.
I’m so grateful I sought help and although Fall can still be a bit overwhelming I now look at the changing leaves as a miracle. A reminder that even though we’re losing something there is always something brighter to look forward to, even during the dreary winter months.
I’ve learned to look forward to and appreciate slowing down on snowy days and enjoying a good book and a mug of hot chocolate.
Thanksgiving has become my favorite holiday. It’s one of the least commercial. There is no stress of choosing and buying gifts. Only the joy of getting together with family and friends and sharing a delicious meal and discussing what we’ve been most grateful for throughout the year.
Have you ever been affected by the changes in seasons? What are you most grateful for?
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The ebook is finally available for the Stranger In My Recliner!
The Stranger in my Recliner eBook by Doreen McGettigan – 9781647197179 | Rakuten Kobo United States
1 thought on “Fall Back”
I’m sorry you suffer from SAD. Do focus on the positive. Like we get an extra hour of sleep this weekend!