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Does anyone else start getting really down in May? As long as I can remember - may is a difficult month for me, long before the Major Depression label. It spirals into slothful living and sleeping the winter away. Even though I love autumn weather, on the inside I just want to go to sleep and bide my time 'till spring comes - when I know i get a burst of energy back. Lots of people suffer SAD, and for some its serious. Its a well documented condition, and in my case compounds existing depression & anxiety, the tipping point. I noticed here on the forums last year that a lot of us struggled to get through winter, even here in mild Australian weather. What, if any are your winter blues symptoms in the winter?
In response to: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Unknown userMember
Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Yhanks @soul, imagine yourself laying down in a padded dingy thats afloat and rocking gently on the ocean, lapping water and gulls, winter sun and soft breeze. Pleasant dreams 💗💕
In response to: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Unknown userMember
Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Today (Mon-10th) was emotionally draining bit I dragged my feet to the Ladies Study GP and took up an offer to meet for coffee and grabbed some croceries. Even spent 2hrs earlier researching our study topic. And mailed off plumbers cheque and mailed mum a card (with a beautiful glittering foenix on the front). But nearly didnt happen after a call about my parents leif me in tears.
Their home Nursing Service manager rang me back after an email i sent Friday trying to see if we can get better care for mum & dad. Don't know why but it really hurt to hear her say there was no mention of me on their file but that my uninvolved toxic sister and workaholic bro are down as contacts. Mother iscangry with both of them. The phone call was productive and they will try keep me in the loop because I seem to understand the systems better than the others.
It seems the problem lies with mum not allowing the ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) to come interview them. Without this piece of paper they cant do much. Dad is with DVA and somehow can access services without ACAT review. Its so complicated. Mum has cancelled dads showers a few times this last month which doesn't help. Think mum's confusing the assessment with mental competence hearing. She's so paranoid about being locked up. Really worried about the guardianship board. She might have a point but not likely as she's still kinda self managing, even with her severe anxiety.
The call drained me and I've been teary and headachy since, not really knowing why.
Sorry to bore you with all this, Maybe someone else knows these dynamics with ageing family.
Tonight i Accidently left phone in car all night. Just before when I went out looking for it the possum came down to take the celery out of my hand, very cute.
In response to: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
KurraSenior Contributor
Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
@Former-Member You can approach the guardianship board for assistance. It's not just for money matters but can also cover medical tupe stuff. Here it does anyway.
In response to: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Unknown userMember
Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Thanks @Kurra, mum won't ever speak to me again if I sick guardianship board onto them. Maybe look at website for now. Ta
In response to: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
KurraSenior Contributor
Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
She won't have to be told. It could be the DVA or ACAT. At least that's what she could be told by you. Is it lying. Technically yes but getting adequate care for your parents negates any sin.
In response to: Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
soulSenior Contributor
Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Thanks @Former-Member. Got back to sleep eventually then was woken by the garbos. Hope things get better with your parents' situation. I can relate to the siblings thing. It was like I didn't exist.
In response to: Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
OwlunarSenior Contributor
Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Hi @Former-Member
I'm sorry about all the stuff with your parents and your siblings - I went through a lot of that - pushed out by my mother and my toxic sister - and seeing as they were in charge - I couldn't see Dad on his own until near the end - but that time was worthwhile
You are not alone with the toxic family thing - if that helps - without going into details it is really hard to have this going on when your family is getting old and it seems your mother is making things really hard for your father -
Awwwwwww - why????
As @Kurra said - you can get onto people - I have no idea what - but do what ever you can about the guardianship thing - and as for lying - it's for your elderly oldies - push whatever you can
Thinking of you and understanding
Dec
In response to: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Unknown userMember
Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Thanks guys, @soul, @Kurra, @Owlunar - appreciate that you got my back with this family stuff. I really could do with a family these days. You guys OK today? Know your on the mend Dec ✔
My day started very slow but I got to my physio apt - oh my goodness, what an amazing back massage 😀 A few spots hurt but he gave me some good exercises for resilience. He thinks the extreme pain days are because muscles have locked up. I don't understand it all. Feels like bone, but guess its all connected. Pain is subjective, and silent. Physio wants me to try loosen things up & increase flexibility... There's hope, finally. He also suggested hydrotherapy a couple of times a week. Anyway, I realised, after I left that I can't remember the last time someone touched me, my skin - did me good.
Went 2hrs walk around shops after that and it felt easier, more flexable, hard to explain.
Lost my car at the shops and after going up and down levels... I had to face tge music and ask security gor help. He found it using rego number, and walked me to my car, how sweet. I still don't know why I couldn't see it - very weird, and embarrassing lol. He said it happens a couple of times a day. I'*ll bet theyre all post menspausal women lol. Sure got my walking exercise in, big time, see if I'm sore tomorrow.
Getting cold here. Another frost I think 🙂
In response to: Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
soulSenior Contributor
Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Good morning @Former-Member. Glad to hear that the physio treatment did you a lot of good. Touch is nice. There have been studies about babies who were orphans who thrived better when touched regularly as opposed to those who weren't picked up and cuddled much Even stroking a dog has beneficial aspects. Try to schedule another massage in. Doesn't necessarily have to be from a physio. A relaxation one is good too. Must take my own advice.
Hydrotherapy is great for aches and pains. A bit of extra effort though in winter time with getting in and out of water, dressing etc.
You must have well and truly got your 10000 steps in too.
About the car. I usually try to park in the same area when I go to shopping centres not that I do that much these days. I used to enjoy it but now it's a chore and I prefer to buy things online. I'm sure that my car magically moves itself. I have spent needless time wandering around and around looking for my car too.
Hope you feel good today.
In response to: Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
OwlunarSenior Contributor
Re: SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Hi @Former-Member
Ouch- I know what your physio means by your muscles getting locked up - I call it seized-up - a bit of over-doing and wow - it is really hard to move - the thing is to keep moving but to take it easy at first
I took a long walk yesterday - my first one for weeks - because of my foot - and I was stiff and sore after but had the best sleep ever - fantastic
How embarrassing that you couldn't find your car - don't worry though - security knows that happens - wow - I parked my car in parallel parking in a street and went I went back to it I couldn't unlock it - and whaddayano - the car parked next to my car was exactly the same model and colour as mine - and the keys fitted in that one really well of course
Yes - these are the moments to remember - when we felt a little silly perhaps - but they make great little light-hearted stories later
Have the best day possible - and touch yes - I love it when my cat snuggles against me - and I love to touch her fur and stroke her as well - touch is important.
All the best today - and so glad your session with the physio was productive
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