Good Times Baby, Good times.

Ed-u-ma-cation of the ESS-AYE-DEE

I have empathy for those who deal with bipolar issues. Serious, to the core, empathy.

I often feel this shitty SAD stuff is similar to being bipolar - just on a really long cycle...  

And then, I  count my blessings and consider myself lucky that I'm not bipolar, because speeding this cycle up - wowzers! that would be a real bitch of a ride.

The analogy popped up one time while I was trying to answer questions from inquiring minds; and I discovered that comparing SAD to bipolar does a good job of giving people an immediate frame of reference. Bipolar is fairly well known, and it then gives a starting point for the rest of the conversation.   After all, it didn't take long for me to realize my affliction was easily brushed over if I even thought about trying to ramp up a description that included the words 'winter blues'. 

So for your inquiring mind the below list pretty much encompasses all the lovely attributes associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder. I am blessed with all but two of the symptoms, I've never been bothered by joint pain nor have I had a low resistance to infection...but let me tell ya, I have a solid hold on the rest of the list.  

•         A change in sleeping patterns (oversleep, can't get out of bed, needing a daily nap, and still not feeling refreshed)
•          Extreme fatigue
•          increased appetite
•          increased craving for carbohydrates (especially in evening)
•          weight gain
•          decreased concentration
•          decreased libido
•          withdrawal from family & friends
•          feelings of depression, anxiety & irritability - you experience feelings of despair, guilt, anxiety and hopelessness
•          Everyday chores become very hard
•          Lack of feeling/emotion
•          Joint pain
•          Stomach problems
•          Lowered resistance to infection
•          Behavioural problems (usually in young people)
•          P.M.S. that gets worse or only happens during the winter
•          A decrease in productivity
•          Feeling sad all the time

I know that a lot of people will look at that list and say "ah just shake it off, cheer up, it's all mind over matter or ignore it" well for those of us that know, it just ain't that easy, and I  dare you to try and tell me to 'shake it off' in the middle of January. In fact I double dare you, but let the record show that 'cranky" is an understatement. *evil grin*

But 

I have found tricks and ways and handy habits to help keep my miserable monster at bay. 

This project is to share those tricks and tidbits, help others, help myself and maybe find a giggle or two in the misery.