What's up with SAD?!

We are nearing the end of March and my view remains dark, cloudy and with a chance of flurries.  Obviously talking about the office window view, and not my mood, but there is a link.

I do believe it(the weather or season) is a barrier to staying upbeat, positive. I also believe it gives those ANTS the upper hand.

SAD, great acronym, as this is how a lot of people get during the long winter months. My self included.  Oh, I am referring to the depressive disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder. I am certain this was a contributing factor in derailing my mind  earlier this month. When you combine multiple situational stressors and no sunlight, grey skies, it is a recipe for a bad day.

Definition By Mayo Clinic staff

Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. If you're like most people with seasonal affective disorder, your symptoms start in the fall and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, seasonal affective disorder causes depression in the spring or early summer.

Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own — you may have seasonal affective disorder. Treatment for seasonal affective disorder includes light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications. Addressing the problem can help you keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.

Like the definition indicates, don't ignore it, but consider this as a cause to your "decreased mood" coupled with a long term chronic disease (I hate calling it a disease) like Diabetes this can throw you into a depression. 

I have never been formally diagnosed with SAD but I sure feel better with the sun peers through the clouds, and the days get longer and brighter.

I encourage, reaching out to a friend, talk to your family physician, they also sell full spectrum lights at most large chain pharmacies. Exercise , Meds what ever it takes.

Yours in Health!

Trev

Why so many whys?

Why?

Simple question right, well not all the time.

Why when you're tired do your kids seem to behave at their worst?

Why when you have planned a special meal your meter reads high?

Why is it when you have no money your car breaks down?

Why is when you want peace chaos ensues?

Why can't the sun shine more?

Why is it we know what to do but don't?

Why is when I wake up and say, I am going to be a better parent, friend, partner,
worker, I end up yelling at my kids, ignoring a friends call, and not listening to my partner?

Why don't mini vans have sound proof partitions like limos?

Why does it seem that when things are going really well things suddenly change?

Why do we have to live with diabetes?

Why does anyone have to endure pain and suffering?

Why are there so many whys?

My only answer thus far as that we are all imperfect, fallible, vulnerable, emotional, ever evolving humans.

The positive in all this is we have free will and the human ability to self reflect, change, and wake up tomorrow and try again.

Trev

Exercise is better then Drugs!

"Me doing it!"

Okay, I am not suggesting we all stop taking our medication but I worked out today for the first time in like 2 months. Amazing! Totally amazing!!!

I promised, well announced on my blog The Diabetic Caveman that I would proceed with an exercise regime starting soon, which happened to be today.

I had to post about it.  After 40 minutes of moderate intensity circuit training and a bout of cool down cardio my mood instantly improved. I felt calmer, I felt that my thoughts were clearer and more positive which according to the cognitive behavior Jedi Mind Tricks  this leads to a more positive mood.

I willed my ass to the basement even though I did not want to at all. I dragged my sorry ass down stairs to the man cave and did it anyways.

I have not felt this clear, and positive in a very long time. I knew it had to be done, I knew the hormones that are released with activity which include, endorphins, testosterone, serotonin would directly improve my mood.

It is taking that first step that is the most difficult.  I took the first step, and tomorrow is another day and I know I will have to struggle with my mind, and will myself to repeat what I did today.

Trev

Giant Punching Bag - Good for Mood

"Truly a thing of beauty"

Who would have thought.  Please observe the beakon of hope to your right.


I am told to exercise, as this increases mood.  Okay, I already know this. But unfortunately the problem with depression is energy levels plummet, and to me, exercise is really difficult to get motivated about.


I wandered down into my man cave last evening. I scanned the area, noticed the treadmill, chin bar, free weights, then I noticed my banana bag.


Now, what the hell is a Banana Bag, no it's not a giant yellow banana.  It is my beacon of hope, my salvation, my stress reliever, my coping strategy to improve my mood and physical well being.  It truly is a think of beauty.


You can punch, kick, knee, hug, elbow, yell at, do what ever you want and it won't get angry with you.  I have been missing Mr Banana for a while now.  My rib is almost mended, and I can't wait to lay a serious ass kicking to it!  Strangely enough he always forgives me.


Something to look forward to.  Just what I need.

Now I have Jedi Powers (see previous blog) and Mr Banana Bag, Damn things are looking up!


Trev