Member-only story
How weather affects my writing
Ain’t No Sunshine
SAD, Winter, and Me
How does the weather affect my writing? Well, I’ve started and deleted this story at least 5 times. I’ve changed the title, the subtitle, the photo, the tone of my words, over and over again. Everything I write seems stupid. “Who would want to read this crap?” DELETE DRAFT.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. SAD is sometimes known as “winter depression” because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter.
SAD is not to be confused with the “winter blues.” In the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), this disorder is identified as a type of depression — Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern.
As I am already coping with clinical depression and OCD, the added burden of SAD can easily lead to deep despair. I’m tired, I’m achy, and the things that usually make me happy have lost their appeal. Everything just seems so much harder right now.
I take my meds and use my light box. Yet, every year I worry about making it through the winter months. I spend as much time as possible walking outdoors each day, as natural light and exercise help ease the feelings of…
