Category: Seasonal Affective Disorder
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Ten Year Anniversary of Hospitalization
Ten years ago, two weeks preceding and including Valentine’s Day, I was hospitalized. Twenty years ago, I experienced a psychotic break during the same season: this season – the season of Lent. Though I do not attend church, this season moves me deeply. I could write more about seasonal affective disorder and how those of…
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Groggylicious
This time of year can be difficult for those of us with mood disorders. The recent time change made what the clock says is the late afternoon now the dark of night. My dogs know it is the night-time. They are not fooled by our clocks. Seasonal affective disorder now kicks in. Our bodies are…
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Manic Temper Tantrum
Last night I blew up and had a full-on manic temper tantrum. I forcefully threw my iPad down and then proceeded to flip over the kitchen table. Crap. I was at the end of my rope. I had overdone it over the weekend, painting the exterior of our house in extreme heat (and too much sun).…
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Irritable
Irritable Headachy Not sleepy and it’s late Been bitchy Too critical On the rag Approaching menopause Mean Had a couple of days of clouds Of gloom Slept Now this Irritated Change again Back to sunny Too soon Too much Cannot take it Make up your fucking mind What is it?
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Overcast
This morning I struggled to keep my eyes open as I drove my son to school. No more searing heat, Santa Ana winds, and fire. May gloom is here. We need the coolness. We need rain. Unfortunately, when the sun hides, I find it difficult to stay awake. When we moved to Eugene, I had…
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Lent | The Rites of Spring
For many, spring is a time of celebration and remembrance. – Deseret News, March 7, 2009 Two days ago was Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Although I did not have my forehead smudged with ash, I do acknowledge my human mortality, I mourn and begin a period of atonement. For dust you are…
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Flurries of Hypomania
Or, is it just that I had iced tea yesterday with my lunch? Since I’ve been mildly hypomanic, I enrolled in my psychiatrist’s therapy group to take a look at what happens to me when I am in a social situation. For me, social stimulation, like the sun, can trigger hypomania, anxiety, and mood cycling.…
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Mother and Wife
When my son was young, I juggled working outside the home with mothering and homemaking. By the time he was four, I found it unsustainable and ended up in a psychiatric hospital for two weeks and then months in partial hospitalization spending my days in structured group therapy sessions. Since then I have been a…