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1110049 tn?1409402144

Does Bad Weather Deepen Depression?

Here in the UK the rain  and cold go on and on.  We have had no summer yet, and I am getting lower and lower.

I was feeling so well when I went on holiday in May, and I know I always feel a bit down when I have been away.

Today I woke up to another day of rain.  It has not stopped for days.  I feel like crying.  A bit of sun would make such a difference.

Every post I read here makes me lower, and I can't reply without getting angry with the people posting.  I think, well I've got depression too, I try to be positive with people, but now I need sympathy.  I have had depression for many, many years, and cope quite well, but there are times like this I find it difficult.

Please sun come out and cheer me up!!!
8 Responses
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480448 tn?1426948538
I'm the same way, maddie!  Even people without depression have changes in their moods due to the weather.  All you have to do is on any given day, look at your facebook page (if you have one).  On a rainy, overcast day, I will see tons of posts from people complaining about lack of motivation, feeling down or "blue".  On the contrary, on nice sunny days, the general mood is more upbeat, with people stating they feel good.  I've actually commented to myself before how noticeable the overall mood change is with the weather.

Also, like specialmom has mentioned, there is an actual official psychiatric disorder, SAD, where people experience severe depression with a lack of sunshine.  This occurs mostly in the winter, where there bis significantly more  darkness, less sun.  I think most people with depression experience this, to varying degrees.

In those of us with depression, something like a change in weather will affect us more significantly, as does any trigger.  You're definitely not alone.  I couldn't imagine living in a place that has dreary weather all the time, like London,  Granted, I've never been there to know if that's really true or notm but the way it is portrayed, rain, fog, clouds, ICK!  I wouldn't like it at all.

What have you been doing for the depression, maddie?  Maybe it's time to reevaluate your treatment plan?  Sometimes, that's necessary.  You're so helpful to people here.,.,.sometimes we need to take a step back, as posting starts getting to be too much.  Sometimes, it reminds us too much of our own issues.  I know I've taken many self imposed breaks in the many years I've been a regular here.  

We're always here for you, whatever you need...to vent, chat, whatever.  You know you can always PM me too.  Hang in there sweetie!
Helpful - 0
973741 tn?1342342773
There is something called seasonal affective disorder and involves serotonin and the sun.  Some people can have their moods directly tied to the weather based on this.  Many do well on an antidepressent and can even employ the use of something called an OTT lamp which provides light similar to the sun and helps with mood.  Lots of luck
Helpful - 0
1128565 tn?1316721143
Hi So sorry your feeling bad i agree abit of sunshine would lift us, do hope we get a few nice weeks.
I've been up and down myself its so horrible i think we need to be kind to us
and pamper ourselves instead of being hard on ourselves. I've been having accupuncture at a womens centre it really helps me perhaps you could try it. Also thinking about going for walks would be better if the sun would shine ! I use lavender you can put it on neat the insideof your arms and on your chest. Also geranium is excellent for stress/hormones you can mix a few drops with baby oil and rub it in or five drops in the bath.
takecare
Love
Lorraine xx
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Avatar universal
Only if you have a bias on the weather would your behavior change.
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Avatar universal
It's minus 4 in canberra right now.
Helpful - 0
2217782 tn?1394363972
You're right, the UK weather is terrible. We should be having summer, but instead I find myself some nights switching on the heating! Winters are expensive enough with all the heating costs so most nights I drag my duvet into the livingroom with me.
Summer is meant to be care free but when it's cold and miserable there is nothing to do but crawl back into bed. I think you are quite a social person when you're up to it so being cooped up like this is probably not good. Take comfort in us, and in your adorable cat Smudge! We're here for you with kind words and sympathy at the ready!
Don't worry our UK weather is bound to dry up sooon and we'll get a few rays of sun!
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Avatar universal
I do think that rainy,cold days & nights would make depression worse but thats just my opinion.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
well where i am living its crazy summer and almost 45 degrees and everyone is praying for rain. I really hate summers and gone very low some times. But now i don't know i am feeling well maybe holidays:)
if u r not feeling well maybe its due to weather as i read about seasonal depression on some website,but sorry don't know much...
Don't disheart urself , u r giving excellent reply to everyone and i think all agree with me that we are much thankful to u , u listen to us when no one.
Don't feel low,sun will come;)
Helpful - 0
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