| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| FARMALLChick |
Posted - Oct 29 2014 : 3:25:02 PM
We all know this is the season for shorter days. It's also the time of year when the weather can keep you 'stuck' for a few days. I am prone to the blues also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.
I have a full-spectrum OTT light that helps, but I don't rely only on that. I like to use brightly colored fabric when I sew projects. I also like to listen to summer music - think Beach Boys or Jimmy Buffett.  Another trick I like to ward off the blues is to look at seed catalogs while planning what to grow. 
How do you chase away the Winter Blues or Cabin Fever?
"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway" -John Wayne
www.farmallchick.blogspot.com www.farmallchickphotos.blogspot.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Jul 01 2023 : 04:55:09 AM
So true Nancy!
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"I am a bookaholic and I have no desire to be cured." 
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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| Nancy Joplin |
Posted - Jun 30 2023 : 3:59:15 PM
Denise
I am so glad that you have found was to cope. Not feeling your best is always a difficult thing. I have found out that some days are easier than others, but that everyday is better if you work to make it that way.
Nancy 8352 |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Jun 30 2023 : 07:02:35 AM
I don't take any prescriptions but do take Vitamin D. I also have changed my eating lifestyle and take additional supplements.
Also more fresh air and exercise as well as serving in different ways at our church. Has helped me tremendously.
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"I am a bookaholic and I have no desire to be cured."
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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| gramadinah |
Posted - Jun 29 2023 : 8:01:08 PM
Try a Happy light I use one in the winter helps me tons. But I also have a script for anxiety meds. Never have felt better.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
| Nancy Joplin |
Posted - Jun 29 2023 : 7:38:06 PM
Hi, Girls!
I take a prescription for depression, but in darker weather I was still feeling down. My daughter, a nurse, told me to try some Vitamin D. It works for me!
Nancy 8352 |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Feb 03 2020 : 08:58:44 AM
I grew up in the Adirondacks mtns in upstate NY so I know what you mean about how the poor folks live. Except when I was a kid I didn't know we were poor. We were happy. My dad suffered from anxiety too. Mostly it hits me in January but it can also come along in August which is the month both my folks passed away. I will take your advice and I will let you know if we are ever in your neck of the woods! It's always great to meet farmgirls!!
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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| HollerGirl56 |
Posted - Feb 02 2020 : 5:15:16 PM
Denise---I lived so long with anxiety and depression. I got depressed when my father died when I had just turned five in 1962---he was the light of my life. I tried to be happy---but something was wrong. My high school years were lived in despair. I lived with no hope until 1997 when my mom committed suicide and I really lost it. I was too proud to go get help for about ten more years and how I did suffer, but the meds have helped me so much. There is also meds for mostly anxiety---I hope you will go get help---it is so hard and we don't have to live with it. I was ashamed to get help---but now I realize that so many people feel just like I did. Meds and prayer sure worked for me. I live between Beckley and Princeton in southern WV. We mostly go to Beckley---it is the least redneck of the two towns. LOL. Ever by here--email and come down and see how the poor folks live.
Old Age Ain't No Place For Sissies!------Bette Davis |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Jan 30 2020 : 6:45:43 PM
Those are what i deal with but have never had anything prescribed for it.
Not sure where exactly you are located Barbara but I thought of you while we were traveling to my daughter's. We always go through WV.
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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| HollerGirl56 |
Posted - Jan 30 2020 : 2:15:27 PM
Just being silly Denise---I know its real and that you can't just wish it away. Lexapro is a prescription drug for depression. I suffered from depression and anxiety for years before I got help. Life is good for me now.
Old Age Ain't No Place For Sissies!------Bette Davis |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Jan 30 2020 : 08:52:06 AM
It's like depression Barbara, you don't just get over it. What is lexapro? OTC or dr's script?
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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| HollerGirl56 |
Posted - Jan 29 2020 : 4:27:56 PM
Get over it ladies---get on the Lexapro and all seasons rock for sure. The beautiful peace of winter rocks my world and I would go nuts with out that rest from farm work. Rock on ladies and enjoy each day.
Old Age Ain't No Place For Sissies!------Bette Davis |
| edlund33 |
Posted - Jan 27 2020 : 7:24:42 PM
I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder too. I live in the Seattle area so we often have lots of long, dark, dreary days during the fall and winter. I have used the 10,000 lux light treatments for several years. When I'm really struggling during December-January the light treatments do help if I sit for about 30 minutes in the morning and another 15-20 minutes around the time it starts getting dark. I've also found that keeping a strict schedule of waking up and going to bed at the same time every day so I'm only sleeping for about 8 hours helps alot. As does doing yoga every morning and getting out for a walk every day...or if it's just too wet for that then riding the exercise bicycle instead. I have changed all the light bulbs in the house to daylight type or halogen so there is good light in all the rooms where I spend alot of time. Good music always puts me in a better mood too. I think the biggest thing I've found to help though is to stay busy and stay active with friends and family. At least for me keeping my mind off the darkness helps me get through the winter months easier. I've also learned that it's alot easier to to go with the flow and accept that I have these challenges and not be too hard myself on the days when I can't function at 100%. Luckily I work in the landscape industry so my work load is slower during the winter months so it sort of fits my personality to a tee. I had a teacher in high school who always told me I was solar powered! She was right that's for sure!
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Jan 17 2020 : 06:52:42 AM
Thanks Debbie! I love that quote too.
Why is it that when we have cold weather we want warm and when we have warm we want cold? Hawaii was the only place I have ever lived that the weather was fantastic. It's like 80 degrees year round there. The sun shined and the rain never seemed to last long. If it did the temps were nice so it didn't matter.
We are having a sort of reprieve with some sunshine. But along with that a wind chill of 19 so.....
I am bundling up good as I have to go out in it.
DO the lights they talk about using really help? I have never used one but I know there are winter days that really give me the blues. Does anyone ever notice how that sometimes comes in waves. I know certain months when something has happened in the past seem to affect my mood during that month even though the event is long past.
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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| OneRedZinnia |
Posted - Jan 15 2020 : 4:15:33 PM
I feel for you farmgirls up North so I don't wont to sound winey! Lol! Temperatures here hit 80 today. Muggy and humid. Being in the southern part of East Texas our weather is always from one extreme to the other. One day we are wearing shorts and the next we may be bundled up for the cold. Today was raining, drizzly, overcast and these days are SAD for me. I try to immerse myself into my sewing and crafting. I am learning machine embroidery so that is fun. When it is cooler I do love to crawl in bed and read or watch tv and just plain ole be lazy! It is a down time to relax and destress. I tend to overdo and not take time to rest. So like Nini said it is time to sit back and reflect! I love Denise's quote by William J. Bennett!!
~ Deb aka OneRedZinnia ~
Farmgirl Sister #5585
June 2018 Farmgirl of the Month
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8 |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Jan 15 2020 : 2:38:49 PM
We finally had sunshine today. I was so glad to see it as we have overcast and rainy more than sunshine and I don't like to do anything when the sun doesn't shine. I had all the curtains open to let it all inside.
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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| stephaniesmith |
Posted - Jan 15 2020 : 1:05:43 PM
What a great topic! I think that so many of us deal with this every year. I love everyone's methods for getting through, and I plan on adding a few of them to my routine.
I live in Missouri, and winter weather here is all over the place! Any time the temperature is above 50ish, I open all the windows and air the house out! We may have to all wear sweaters indoors, but the fresh air is so needed. Also, on the sunny days, I bundle up and get outside as much as possible. I love to take walks through the woods. Just getting back in nature is so beneficial.
Hang in there, ladies! Spring will come. It will, right?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Indigohoneybee |
| loribeck |
Posted - Oct 08 2019 : 6:29:57 PM
It was a beautiful day today. Sun was shining and I spent a lot of time outside with my puppy. Our driveway is a half mile long so I can go for a walk on that and not have to worry about traffic. I have started taking Vit. D also as my doctor said that I am deficient in it. My husband got me a treadmill as I love to walk and when it's raining I can just hop on that. Hopefully all of the other stuff I have started trying will help out with the blues.
Farmgirl 7774
Never miss a sunset
Lori Beck |
| NatChap |
Posted - Oct 08 2019 : 08:40:21 AM
SAD used to affect me until I had vitamin D levels checked and implemented a supplement for that. Also, a full-spectrum light bulb helped a lot. The heat in summer is more apt to depress me. I was told I had MS in 2005 and discovered the MS Swank dietary protocol by Dr. Roy Swank. In short it is a diet consuming no more than 15 g of saturated fat per day. Also, I take a multivitamin, a good fish oil supplement, vitamin D-3, and B complex. Fortunately, I have had no issue beyond the very first symptom/diagnosis of optic neuritis. It may have been a fluke thing, or "benign". Another thing I quit was diet sodas or anything with aspartame, which is linked to mimic MS.
Keep shining!
Natalie
"Ask what makes you come alive and go do it." ~Howard Thurman |
| YellowRose |
Posted - Oct 07 2019 : 05:39:34 AM
Thanks Dawn. So sorry to hear your sister is dealing with it too. Tell her I know what she is going through and hope she fills her good days with things she enjoys.
It's 60 this morning so I am canning dried beans in my Yellow Rose Cottage. Been up since before six and the beans are in the pressure canner. I am blessed with days like today where daily fatigue has not set in yet and the cooler weather will help to keep it a bay a little longer. I do so love autumn and winter.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015. & Feb 2019
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth.
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| ddmashayekhi |
Posted - Oct 07 2019 : 05:28:02 AM
I'm so sorry to hear you have MS Sara. My sister has been battling with it too. She said the heat and humidity really make it worse for her. She too looks forward to cooler temps and shorter days. Enjoy your autumn, hope it is cooler for you.
Dawn in IL
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house." N. Hawthorne |
| YellowRose |
Posted - Oct 07 2019 : 04:55:51 AM
Maybe it's because of our oppressive summer Texas heat I've always looked forward to the shorter - cooler - darker days. Also I have MS so I feel better when the days are cooler or even cold.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015. & Feb 2019
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth.
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| ddmashayekhi |
Posted - Oct 07 2019 : 04:09:57 AM
I have noticed this rainy spring, summer, and fall we are having in my area has given me an early case of SAD. I try to spend as much time as possible outside to help lift my spirits. The vitamin D does help and I need to take it since blood tests show that I and the rest of the people in IL are deficient. Exercise helps me chase the blues away as well as listening to music that cheers me up. We are in for a few days of sunshine at last here and I plan to get out and soak it up!
Cheer up!
Dawn in IL
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house." N. Hawthorne |
| loribeck |
Posted - Oct 06 2019 : 6:38:58 PM
I never used to be bothered when the days became shorter and cold weather came to visit. The dreary sky and lack of sunshine never bothered me before I went into menopause. For some reason, that set things in motion. I seem to get the blues when rainy days last more than 3 days and the sky stays dark and dreary. Even though I just love the fall time, I still end up getting the blues.
Lori Beck |
| star-schipp |
Posted - Nov 24 2014 : 5:41:52 PM
I fit somewhere in the middle here...I love to be in the house on a snowy or rainy day...but also get times when the sadness overwhelms. I do make sure I get outside every day whether I feel like it or not. Plus I take Vitamin D on the recommendation of my physician. Depression is difficult and really all about the brain chemistry so once you realize that it is really no different than having any other illness, at least for me, it helps me accept and work through the tougher days. Peace and love to you all! Star
EstleSchippFarm.blogspot.com
If you can't feed one hundred people, then just feed one. -Mother Teresa
Star - farmgirl sister #1927
Master Food Preserver
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| Bonnie Ellis |
Posted - Nov 23 2014 : 11:04:45 PM
To help get over the blues, I try to focus on others. I'm not aPollyanna all the time, but helping others gets my mind off myself and also helps some else at the same time. Lots of folks have more needs than me.
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
