Every year around November it starts. I get into this funk where nothing sounds good, I don't want to see people, just want to stay in the garage or sleep. Wife thinks I'm being lazy but I don't think I can just snap out of it. Someone suggested SAD and seasonal stuff. Anyone else deal with this and have actual solutions that work?
November hits different when you're a parent. You're not just managing your own funk, you're trying to keep everyone else going too. Have you talked to your doc about it?
Every year same pattern here. Light therapy lamp on the desk helped more than I expected. Also being honest with my kids that Dad has a rough season helps them understand it's not about them.
The seasonal depression thing is real and it's nothing to minimize. November through February is a fight for me too. Have you looked into light therapy? Game changer for me. Up at 5am anyway but the light box helps.
I'm down in Phoenix so I don't get the winter as bad, but depression doesn't care about your zip code. The fact that you can name it and see it coming is actually a win. That's more than a lot of guys manage.
Have you talked to your doctor about this? There are things that can help, man. No shame in it. Your kids need you healthy more than they need you to suffer through it quietly.
Seasonal depression is real. I started getting out in the mornings earlier even when it's dark because the light helps. Coffee outside on the porch isn't much but it shifts something.
Winter hits hard for a lot of us. Getting outside even for short walks and trying to keep some routine helps me more than I'd admit. You're not alone in this.
Sign in to join the conversation.
That funk hits different when you're a parent because you're trying to show up for your kids while feeling like you're underwater. You're not alone in this.