I’m glad you ended “the Dark Ages” at February 26, given that it’s MY BIRTHDAY TOO!!!! (If that isn’t the coincidence to end all coincidences …)
I’m not a runner (although I walk a lot — and I’m far enough inland, even if only a few miles, that I don’t get those bitter ocean/bay winds like you get off the Chesapeake), so I like a different metaphor.
I LOVE going out in the cold for stretches. I’d be the one who was making snow angels and snowmen as a kid. My mom would have to shoo me in because (rightly) I could get a cold or frostbite or worse. So it has to be in limited doses.
Because this is a time, no question, if not to outright conserve your energy, at least to “husband” or focus it. Especially when, for those of us with mild SAD (which is to say, pretty much everyone with depression or bipolar disorder), let alone severe, separately diagnosed SAD, energy is in short supply.
PS — I almost forgot — wonderful video as always, Therese!

Good thoughts, Therese, but I was waiting for you to sing

i tried several times to make a fire in my woodstove in our addition this winter. the stove is the only heat out here other than a little space heater. but all i did was get soot all over myself and a headache from all the smoke i was blowing around. finally during the coldest day, i succeeded! all day long i sat in an overheated room and just snuggled on the futon with my blankey, daughter and pets. watched movies and listened to the roar and snap of the burning wood. it was such a healing day and so wonderful to be warm. i often have cold hands and feet. i relished feeling toasty and was even glad it was so cold so that it would really make the warmth stand out.
here’s to a blessed spring to all. hope we all spring forth like the tulip bulbs!
nilla

aw, c’mon, T, can’t you at least post the full lyrics if you’re not gonna sing them?! I for one won’t accuse you of “whining”!

i’m feb 27 you guys.
this is a statistical anomaly!

oops. sent prematurely…
what i want to know is, is there some way of letting the group know i’m listening and valueing and appreciating the raw honest…without adding a comment?
this is one of my freaky shy-things.
i just feel that if i don’t leave a comment that i am being somehow disrespectful.
this is an actual question, hidden behind a blush…

therese great video as always and i am glad i didnt give up because the sun does shine eventualy and it sure feels good.hang in there the sun is just around the corner. blessings marilyn

Those are good suggestions even if you’re not down with a cold or the flue. Thanks.

Great post, Therese. Today where I live it’s 6 degrees below zero, with a wind chill warning of 25 to 50 below zero with the wind chill factor and wind gusts. Brrrrrrr
I do, however, start to cheer up in Feb, as it’s a short month, followed by more light and hopefully warmer weather. January is the worst month for me. Tomorrow is the last day, yay.
Keep your chin up, and your attitude, as best as you are capable of.
Hugs, Blanche

Color therapy; wear pink and orange and yellow, even green and blue. Just not black/brown/gray/navy/etc. Wearing citrine is helpful too.

Key word here — if you can make it!

HI! Ty for your note. I appreciate it. I’m also sorry to hear about
your friend Ben. January and Feb. are very difficelt form me. My daughter was born in Jan 1998 and died in Feb 2005. These months are the worst months of the year for me. I cry at the drop of a hat. It’s the challenge of a lifetime. I get thru it but not without alot of prayers and comfort from family. I try to look at the positives to at the same time. She was born in Jan and that was certainly a blessing.
Since they told me I couldn’t have children to begin with. The biggest lesson I learned is to be grateful for the time I had with her. Also
I had the greatest love of all for a while. We lived, laughed and learned together. What a BLESSING! She was my sunshine. That’s what I
called her. Her name was Amber which stands for light. She was indeed my ray of light. I don’t live in darkness, I live each day to the fullest no matter what! TY again and God Bless you and all your readers. I look for something in the day to make me happy. Even if its just watching the birds eat!

Winter, for some of us,is cold and often gloomy.Yet, without the winter we would not have the spring. Each snowflake and every drop of rain ensures the awakening of new life. “To every thing there is a season,” says the Preacher, in the Book of Ecclesiastes.Without death, life would not exist, because there would be nothing to compare it to. So,I say, take the time to look out your window; just to view the lights sparkling upon the freshly fallen snow.Then,snuggle up in a blanket with a good book. Remember, that summer arrives,soon enough and before too long, some people are sick and tired of the heat. Appreciate every moment of life, make it a wonderous time and it will be. Life is short,every moment,every day, every season reveals something new to the pages of your personalized book of existence.

I loved January and February as a child. I’m from Michigan and we loved playing in the snow. January 11th is my birthday, and February 1st is my sister’s. February 6th was my Dad’s. So this time of year was full of fun and celebrations for us. Valentine’s Day was fun, too.
Now I live in Texas, so weather-wise it’s a bit different. I still like January 1st because it is the new year and a time of new beginnings. On January 8th, 2005, my beloved father passed away. His funeral was on January 11th – my birthday. I don’t think anyone remembered that but me, but I knew everyone wanted to just get it done, so I didn’t say anything. Of course everyone eventually realized it. But it was ok. Now I will always share that special bond with my Dad. It does make my birthday a little different, now, though, I must admit. Valentine’s Day is not so exciting these days, either, since I am divorced. I just try to focus on it being a day of loving all loved ones, not just romantically.
I like to think of this time of year as a time to hibernate, like the bears do, and get ready to face the wonderfulness that is Spring!

I think they suck too. It starts for me in December until march. If the sun could just shine everyday it would not be so bad. I spend alot of timewith God and in in twelve step meetings during these times so at least i can offer something positive to the new guy, instead of always focusing on the dark days.

Therese,
Your correct that January and February are the crappiest time of the year especially with me living in Michigan.
In the last two weeks we have had nice actually warm days, cold rain, snow and fall weather. Michigan-where you can experience all 4 seasons in one day!!!
I know it is going to get better and that spring is around the corner so to help keep my spirits up I remind myself daily that summer is outside activities (yard work, gardening, flowering, etc.) and winter is my indoor activities (crafts, deep cleaning, wall painting etc.) and for the last year or two it seems to get me through the crappiest time of the year.
God Bless,
Nancy aka sixlittlekitties

Yes – its hard. Those crappy diapers are the worst!!!
You are awesome – making yourself run all that much!
You mentioned sunlight, have you ever used a full spectrum lightbox? I have one from Verilux and it helps so much with the lack of sunshine. Luckily I live in California where the lack of sun is not so bad, but living in Oregon – O.M.G., we were all ready to be hospitalized for depression. My daughter actually was when she was a teenager.
I depression is in remission right now – I still feel tired, but let myself sleep all day if I need to – without feeling guilty about it ever…

I personally LOVE winter and the dark, cold temperatures, snow… I just love it all… I know so many people get depressed during this time of the year, and for the life of me cannot figure out why. I love the “wind in your face, i know i am alive” feeling you get only in the winter…
I just thought i’d through my two cents out there…

For me, January and February started back in October when things got gray and blustery here in Minnesota and haven’t changed much since then. The sun has been out a bit lately, but it’s been so cold….and for a Minnesotan to say it’s been cold, you know it’s been bad.
I struggle so much with these long winter months, but they are a good excuse to light candles and try to find the light within — within my house, and within my soul. The theologian Matthew Fox talks about the value of the “via negativa,” and going into and not fighting the darkness. Maybe I need to reread some of his writing.

Hello Therese
I hope you are abel to read and understand my righting, I am sure I will make a lot of mistakes. It use to prevent me from doing alot of thing even taken serten jobs, I offten here from loved ones and work mates as to how bad I spell and it use to hert my fellings,I even tried to use spell check but I would get a pop up that would say somthing like this makes no sense try somthing else but I havent given up. I work at a job where I am at a computer I imput orders and I travel to do servise work on equipment that I have to follow a blue print and scamatics to repair, most pepole that I have meet that tell me how to spell, cant make heads or tell of what I do, now I have a difrent perspective of this. I fill that God as I understand him; has a place for all of us and that my place is right wher I am and I will ecsept all that happens arond me as a blessing.
Thanks for your messages they are verry inlightnig and real,As for deprsion and angziaty’s, I am there at times and have been there alot in the past, I dont do the med’s but have in the past and have thoughts of going back from time to time. I eat good and run, I have ran several Marathons and plan to keep doing what works.
I realy felt your story of your runing friend very insparational and hart warming. I dont know if you heard the end but I lisend to the end over and over again as you where saying goodby to Ben and said I’ll miss you! The curch bell rang out in the back ground, (an angel cried a tear), I had to share it with my friend just to see if they heard it the same and whene I did this the bell got lowder!;)
Thank You
Lots of Love
Freddy
01/30/08
Hi, I offten

hi therese… you are even more beautiful without makeup!!! often times depression really doesn’t make sense specially coming from people looking like you and me (i should say so because people almost always praise me about looking as such at my age (i’ll turn 53 this year… people still mistake me for much younger — 28, being the youngest… i’m not kidding!!!) however, as we both quite know… depression has nothing to do with our physical appearance… for it lies deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeper than that!!!!! take care and GOD BLESS your sweetness!!!

I agree, there seems to be a wave of darkness that hits these months, the rain. the dark skies, all add to despair, loneliness, and depression. No wonder the suicide rate is highest in Washington where is usually rains. Wow! I have never felt so low as this time of year, and my friends as well, we are all feeling down, depressed, hopeless, I think it is a spirit that comes in Waves against God’s people. Amazing. We are all in a similar boat!! I am looking for the Rainbow, I know it is out there somewhere!

I have been hospitized my depression on several occassions and 90% of those inpatient stays have been in January. It Februay 1st and I made it though. Mostly on the couch in my jammies. But not in a hospital. I guess that’s progess.

Depression is somthing that I never experienced, until recently. I have Multiple Sclerosis and in the past two years have become disabled in many ways by the disease. Physical and cognative issues have caused a lot of fear, a lot of anxiety and more recently depression. To give you an indication of how bad it has become, yesterday, I went out to run a few errands, which because of concerns over driving I don’t do often, usually once or twice a week, I was gone for about 30 minutes and had to pull over and rest for 15 minutes before returning home. This inability to function causes depression and the depression, along with the fatigue and cognative diability make me incapable of doing anything. This has been an growing issue since I stopped working in December of 2007. January was my most difficult month to date.
The most important therapy for me is my belief in God and his love and the fact that he will never give us more than we can handle. The knowledge of this dives me some peace. As human beings we are on a journey that is not easy, depression is normal when the tough times come, but we need to find and understand what will pull us as individuals out of that depression. For me it’s my faith, the ability to talk to others about the pain and frustration that are causing it and never giving in.
The story of Job is helping me to cope with my situation, right now.

Re; Amy, “a spirit that comes in waves against God’s people.” That’s an angle that had’nt occurred to me in my “home…home…on deranged” It somehow makes me feel a bit better thinking I did’nt bring this entirely on myself. Thanks! Re: Dale, “For me it’s my faith,the ability to talk to others about the pain and frustration that are causing it and never giving in.” Very well said. I totally concur. Re: Birpal.Rawat Hello ,got a story to share? You’re in the right place.

Boy can I ever relate to this being the crappiest time of the year. We’ve had a terrible winter – lots of snow, below zero temps, blizzard strength winds. I suffer from depression and lots of days I have almost checked myself into the local Mood Disorders Unit. But so far I go to bed and read or listen to books on CD. I also try to get out every day – but I have missed some of the really bad ones. I pray a lot too. I try to keep in mind that saying that if God will take you to it, he’ll get you through it. Best wishes to all of you.

Hi Lisa:
Well, I am the same way, I love winter, the cold, the snow, fall and winter are the only two seasons that make me happy, I feel so “alive”, I have a spark and energy, it’s wonderful!
I start to feel “low” when spring comes and then is followed by the hot, muggy, never-ending summers, days that are so long and humid. YUCK! I have to wait until the sun goes down before I can go out, and even though it’s still hot, at least I don’t have the sun beating down on me, I cannot deal with the “muggies” and I don’t care for temps higher than 75.
It’s funny because I was born in July and, although, as a kid I loved all the seasons, fall and winter were my favorites.
Like Larry, I’d be out all day but “coasting” as they say in Boston, “sledding” in other parts of the country, just go home to change my mittens and then off again. Also, loved to ice skate, build forts, throw snowballs, eat snow, yeah, those are “cherished memories” and, if I had a sled today (not one of those “tubes”) a real “Flexible Flyer”
I’d be “coasting” still!
To this day, whenever there is snow, I look at the hill behind my home and all the memories of my “winter childhood” come flooding back and I remember everything as it was, it makes me “nostalgic for those carefree days” and, yet, extremely joyful and thankful for the “sense of excitement and anticipation” that a blizzard or snowstorm’s effect would have on me.
I know that I’m in the “minority” re: winter and the blahs but I have the same feeling when spring and summer are here.
Therese, I really enjoyed your video, and it is “amazing” that you and Larry both share the same birthday. Two Pisces and a Cancer, that’s me.

Oh, Therese, how BEAUTIFUL you are au naturel! I know you’re younger (much!) than me, but you look like a TEENAGER! January and February ARE crappy times, to be sure, but this year, at least, I’m kept on my toes by having the attention every weekend of my boyfriend who makes the arduous journey to see me, coming from 150 miles away. I’m not saying that I’m validated by the love of a man; I’m just saying it’s another reason to get up in the morning, and leave depression behind. I wasn’t so lucky last year.
My 60th birthday is Feb. 5, and THAT is depressing! Truthfully, though, I do NOT feel my age. I guess it’s because I’m a natural-born optimist, and also that God does not give us more than we can handle. Yes, He’s put me through a LOT, but He’s gotten me through a LOT – so I’m grateful. I NEVER thought I would live THIS long; I’m going to outlive my money! What with living off Social Security Disability, having a mortgage, and now an IRS debt – GOD! What am I going to do??!!
But with every problem, He finds a solution. Through prayer, I figured out HOW to pay off these encumbrances; and like the Bible says, “Not to worry about tomorrow, what to wear or what to eat. Today has it’s own problems,” (paraphrasing, in case someone catches me!). But I have another one – “95% of the things we worry about never happen; God takes care of the other 5%.” I LOVE that one!
Winter is ALWAYS followed by spring, and we’re half-way there. Hope springs eternal, so don’t have a heavy heart. Just believe – and have faith. God loves you – and so do I!
Your sister in Christ,
SuzanneWA

thanks for your message lisa.while jan feb can be the toughest times of the year .as i age my thoughts are GOD bought me thru this time for im alive .ihave so so much to do and here is a little chuckle for you kiddo.i;ve been trying to start my scrapbooking for a couple of years now.why can;t i finish .because i am afraid.funny huh afraid of it not looking good .so i ask GOD for an answer and HE said try and keep on trying for it is like your daily walk as you rise it truly is a beautiful day to try and try again.and when your breathing ,life is a wonderful gift from the HEAVENS above. so be happy lisa and don;t worry for we are the children of the LORD.someone who cares about the sun moon and the stars.is this world not a wonderful place to be me i think so take care kiddo an ole grannie who knows.

Thanks Therese for sharing this. So true about Jan. & Feb. being the crappiest time of year. It sure has been for me this year. As a matter of fact, I felt so bad today, I took a half day off work and came home. Just couldn’t do it any more. And it’s my birthday which doesn’t seem to help.
Pax.

wow – did you see that there are 30 comments already. wow. I guess we can relate.
Me first, me first! I might not be wiser, but I am older Larry and Therese! – Feb 25 1967… : )
Yes – I keep the same markers…the holidays to my bday, to St Paddy’s and the Ides of March…thennnnnnnnn on to crocus and daffodils.

Thank you.
I love your “first months” analogy and agree.
Lucky me, though, my bday is right smack in the middle–Jan31, giving me something to look forward to after the holidays and get over before everyone revs up for spring. Where I live, these two weeks are usually the coldest. -40 cold. This year, though, as I make my way out of my darkest depression, it has been warmer, and the snow has been good for skiing. It’s the small things that keep it all together, right?
I appreciate your honesty, as always. Keep writing and making videos!

In reply to Suzanne Wa . I started to laugh when i read that
you had a 60th birthday, and felt kind of down, I am 61 yrs
young. You Go girl. Its great that you have a boyfriend,
you are blessed. Im sure that he is so happy when he sees you
and driving 150 miles, wow he sure does think alot of you.
I go to Curves about 4 days a week, I am also trying to lose about
30 lbs. by June, i think i can reach my goal by then. I have had
thyroid surgery (age 44) and was put on synthroid, but i had it
changed to Natural armour thyroid, and feel much better, and am
starting to lose weight . I do feel very tired in Jan. and Feb.
but try to walk some, if the streets dont have ice, on them.
I was told by my Chiropractor that i have some bursitis in my
left hip, and it feels like bees stinging me when i turn over on
my left hip. Im hoping the wt loss will help. God Is Good, and still in control. HAVE A GOOD SUNSHINE DAY DOT

Another February birthday here. I was 59 Monday. I totally relate to the crappiest time of the year theme. I’m so tired of looking at all the dead brown stuff in nature. But last weekend the jonquils were up and the pear trees are in bloom this week. Soon everything will be that lovely spring green again. All we have to do is wait out the winter.

Wow, Therese,
Thanks so much for this video. I didn’t know I had so much company. January isn’t as bad for me as Feb. February is just plain crappy for me. I am sooo glad that it is almost over. I know my depression won’t magically disappear with the beginning of March, but at least Feb. is gone. I have had two bouts of major depression that started in Feb. and one that worsened in Feb. I think I’ll just skip Feb. next year!
Thanks so much for your honesty!
Blessings

Therese, loved the video but I have question/comment about your introductory notes. You said you didn’t want to come across as whinning. I thought this was a “Whinning permitted and encouraged zone.”

I START MY DAY EACH DAY WITH YOU, YOU GIVE ME HOPE, MAKE ME LOKK, SOME TIMES I DONT EVEN LIKE YOU, BUT IT HELPS, i WANT MY “LOVE OF A LIFETIME’ BACK…YOU SHOW ME HOW…..THANKS

It’s good to know I’m not the only one who feels this way.

I feel the same way. January and February are the hardest to get through weather wise. I was actually very glad that I was able to get through December and January (those 2 months were around the times I was hospitalized twice) so now I’m in my ‘golden’ place. One of my resolutions was not to be hospitalized a third time and I made it! I credit an awesome doctor and good med combination for this (and also me not going off my meds because I “didn’t need them anymore”) Yay for me!