But I Smile Anyway…

It never affected me before but I do believe that this year, despite being eternally happy I also suffer from SADness.

SAD – Seasonal Affected Disorder.

What is SAD?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, winter blues, summer depression, summer blues, or seasonal depression, was considered a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer.

I’m definitely not making a mockery of a serious condition, but I do believe that I have started to suffer several traits.
I know I’m always saying I want snow, and I do, but there are several other symptoms which I have started to notice in myself this winter.

Symptoms of SAD

Let’s look at them more closely…

1) Difficulty Waking
Previously, the snooze button was pretty much defunct on my alarm, be it on my clock or mobile, yet this year, without fail, I press it at least twice. It’s such an effort to get out of bed on these dark mornings. In the summer months I can get up earlier, exercise even, and be ready, and sprightly at that, all day long. At the moment, exercise? No chance!

2) Decreased Energy
Absolutely. I feel drained. Once I sit down in the evenings, its such an effort to get up and actually do anything else. Usually, I’ll get lunches made for the next day, ironing done etc, now, I leave things until I have to do them. Sometimes I’m almost not bothered.

3) Carbohydrate Craving
Yup, that too. I crave toast, crisps, crusty bread. I’ll pile my plate with pasta, even though 6 months previously I had more or less given carbs up.

4) Increased Appetite
I NEED my food regularly, whereas before, I could wait until we ate, whatever time. I won’t have a small portion, I need full size, or more than usual.

5) Increased Sleep
If I could, I would sleep whenever I could. Wherever I sit, I could doze. Every Saturday and Sunday I find myself needing a nap.  If I could I would sleep earlier, and wake later, but necessity doesn’t allow me.

6) Weight Gain
No exercise and more food obviously equals weight gain… More depressing as I lost 18lbs last summer and it’s creeping back on…

7) Difficulty Concentrating
I haven’t experienced this so much, but if I’m doing something and I get interrupted, I get narky.

8) Decreased Libido
I’m afraid this is true… No energy, wanting more sleep means I will often be asleep before Hubby Dearest is even upstairs. And its no biggie..

9) Withdrawal From Family/Friends
Agsin , not do much, but I do feel I want more time alone if possible.

10) Depression/Anxiety/Irritability
I wouldn’t say depressed or anxious, but I am most definitely irritable much more. I curb it at school, but my fuse is so short with my own kids, and family.

So, out of 10, there are a lot I sat there nodding my head at.
Maybe I’m just generally tired, I don’t know, but I’ll compare my feelings in the winter months with the summer months and see whether there is a huge difference.

I hope it’s not the case, I’m not a negative person, and I’d hate the seasons to cause a Jekyll and Hyde style Ritu… God save those close to me if that’s the case!

Are you happy or SAD?