catsen

I would be more amazed to her that there are nurses who came from supposedly functional/ (non dysfunctional) families. What does that look like? You are not unique except for the label you have placed on yourself. I also come from a really rough background. I though a college education would raise me out of the craziness - found out people are crazy everywhere, and at every education/ professional level. Celebrate your own craziness. This is makes us who we are.

I can totally relate, I too suffer from SAD. I presently live in Maine and I am actively pursuing a move to a sunnier location. I have lived in AZ in the past and had very little problems with winter depression. When Spring comes in February its hard to be depressed. I do think I still felt alittle off when the number of hours of daily sun goes down but it is not nearly as dramatic. The worst part of SAD for me is that I lose perspective that the season is causing my laziness and gluttony. I begin to berate myself for being undiscpilined and unmotivated. I do know that sleep depravation helps. I don't know why that is but it works. Also planning activities or extra work so that you must get your butt out of the house helps. Good luck to you and yes a move will help.

Maine is a big state where are you relocating?

i have lived in the bucksport area for the past four years and i have found it a very mixed bag of pros and cons. it really depends on where you settle. the pay is terrible. the work environment is usually very good - tight crew- very caring. little to no room for advancement, new skills. the landscape is gorgeous and i drive around all the time astonished, exhillorated, and totally in love with the view. wait until you see a fall. the air quality is terrible. maine has the highest incident of adult onset asthma and childhood asthma. patient ratios also aren't usually bad with some exceptions. last bad news the winters are very, very long. spring, summer and fall are absolutely perfect. but the other ten months will kill ya, ha,ha. good luck, c senecal rn :rotfl: