Seasonal Mood Changes?

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Ahhhhh, the first hints of Spring........the pink and white buds on trees, the stirring of new life in the woods and the hedges, the daffodils and crocuses poking yellow and purple heads up over the decorative fence in the front yard, and of course, the corresponding flareup of allergies and asthma.

And.....mood swings. Mostly up, up, UP!

I love the spring and summer months---they're my high-energy time. The advent of sunnier and warmer weather brings with it a sense that all is once again well, and a burst of activity follows close upon its heels---if I'm not out in the garden, I'm bopping around the house scrubbing baseboards and cleaning out closets. I didn't get the chance to do any of it last year because I was about 45 lbs heavier and was lucky to pull a few weeds before collapsing in exhaustion, so this year I am literally rarin' to GO!!

So......does anyone else with depression or other 'mentally interesting' conditions have moods that change with the seasons? (And no, you don't have to be bipolar to experience this phenomenon.) Almost everyone knows about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD); but what happens when the cold and the darkness go away? Do you feel like you've gotten a new lease on life? Does your appetite and activity level increase or decrease? Or, do you do the opposite of most folks, and go into a funk during the warm months?

Please share your experiences!

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Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU.

Hi, Viva! I'm one of those people who cycles down in the summer. Almost all my hospitalizations have been in June or July. In spite of this, I love summer. I'm not much for gardening because everything I've ever planted has decided not to live! I have rheumatoid arthritis & the cold weather plays havoc with my joints. I've been in pretty much constant pain since Christmas Eve. I even got to the point where I'm using a cane if I have to walk very far or for a long period of time (think shopping). I'm definitely looking forward to warm weather to calm some of that down. I also hate the weight of winter coats!

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So......does anyone else with depression or other 'mentally interesting' conditions have moods that change with the seasons? (And no, you don't have to be bipolar to experience this phenomenon.) Almost everyone knows about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD); but what happens when the cold and the darkness go away? Do you feel like you've gotten a new lease on life? Does your appetite and activity level increase or decrease? Or, do you do the opposite of most folks, and go into a funk during the warm months?

Please share your experiences!

Being one who suffers from SAD, I personally get a whole new lease on life when the days start getting longer. Since I live in CT, our temp doesn't get to my liking until around late May. The longer days alone trigger my upswing. I sleep less, actually FEEL like getting out of the house etc.

In the Fall and Winter, I'm usually known to take very long naps when possible, lose my motivation to actually get dressed, do my hair/makeup etc, I'm constantly eating (but one of the lucky ones who can eat 3000 calories a day and maintain my weight)..total funk. Working full time from home does NOT help anything. Because I work from home, I CAN stay in my pajamas all day, I don't have to shower, I don't have to get out of the house etc.

Having SAD I have learned over the years I have to do something that MAKES me have to get out of bed, get dressed etc. For me, thats taking college courses.

My moods have actually started swinging up since the time change where its lighter longer :)

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg.

I have SAD and use a special light machine during the winter, sometimes I need Ad's. Love spring though, instantly lifts my mood. I love the way you describe it too Viva.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I actually did pretty well after I came out of the depressive episode that ruined my Christmas. I bought a dawn simulator that actually makes it seem like summer all fall and winter long, as far as waking up in daylight goes. The thing is on a timer and the light from it gradually gets brighter over about 15 minutes, so that when you wake up you're in full-spectrum light.

It's been a Godsend (thank you Dr. B.!!) and I had the best winter I've had in many years. Had to put it away in early March, though, because I started ramping up and this is NOT a good time for a manic episode. :no:

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Specializes in Psych.

Yup am on an upswing too. A little TOO up if ya ask me. If I wasn't so wiped from my allergies I am sure I would be go, go, go. We'll see what doc has to say about it.

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