I wanted to write an uplifting post, a positive post about the outreach last weekend and the smiles I saw, I wanted to talk about the videos and images I am currently editing out.
I have so many projects both in Steemit and other stuff and I need the energy for it but somehow I am experiencing a low point.
Anthony Bourdain's death was one trigger, our failure to go to Banawen Primary school was another downer especially with all the rain that we have been having. It has been one week now of all rain.
The weather bureau reported that there are two more storms incoming and although it will not make landfall it will bring in monsoon rains ensuring that the weather remains cold and miserable.
As if I didn't have enough demons in my head, I also have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) often Starts around November and December. Then a short interlude of a more positive disposition during March -May and once the rainy season starts I enter a slump of low energy again especially when there are storms.
What is SAD?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year.
One thing that needs to be established is it's frequency and timing so that it can be isolated from depression, bipolar syndromes and the like. The best way is consulting a specialist about your symptoms and issues.
I know its onset with me as I feel the following:
- Low energy
- trouble in concentrating on tasks and projects
- the tendency to shy away from people and retreat to a cocoon-like refuge
- introvert tendencies goes on overdrive
- Chocolates not doing their magic
Treatment
Each individual is different as what would work with them, We are the sum of our experiences, emotions, culture, and upbringing so we would all respond to something differently.
Here are some of the ways that I try to combat SAD.
- Anti-depressant medication
- Light Therapy
- Traveling
- Writing
- Eating
- Playing Video games
- Watching anime
I used to drink anti-depressant medication as prescribed by my doctor but found the dependence to drugs wreaks havoc on my psyche and my liver so I only do that under very extreme circumstances.
I don't recommend Stress eating but having a nibble of something sweet and so a chocolate bar does a lot of mitigating my mood.
A full-spectrum bright light shines indirectly into your eyes. You sit about 2 feet away from a bright light -- about 20 times brighter than normal room lighting. The therapy starts with one 10- to 15-minute session per day. Then the times increase to 30 to 45 minutes a day, depending on your response.
I know the scientific explanation of Light Therapy and it does make sense especially if you don't have access to travel to warmer places or vacation on a perennially great weather place.
Writing has always been a sanctum of safety for me and a way for me to expel the blue feelings that I have at the moment.
Before using a pen and paper, the words and emotion of helplessness and sadness would just flow out. As the technology improves we now use computers and mobile devices in order to write our thoughts.
It relaxes as well as exorcists the pain and demons I have in my head.
Anime and Videogames, I did not separate anymore because that is what is needed by an individual just to do something that they love and enjoy. May it be music, art or whatever that makes them happy.
To live their lives without pain and sadness is naive but we have ways of mitigating those feelings so that we live a full life.
So it is okay to realize that you are not okay. That rains make you cry. You are human and thus exhibits your flaws and all and you will be celebrated and welcomed.
Know that you are not alone. So next time that you look at the stars, stay strong.
I will be recharging for a bit. So the reply back to my commentors has been slow but know I will acknowledge you and is working hard to escape.