Does anyone else get the winter blues? i sure do. Last years was the worst I could imagine. I had anxiety constantly through to April and I was afraid to go anywhere in case I had a panic attack, I was total wreck.

Well, some events have occured that were the same as last year and I'm afraid that they will trigger the anxiety to come back again and that this winter will be just as bad as the last.

I try to think positive as much as I can, but after a certain point it just doesn't feel natural and the anxiety creeps in and reminds me how it feels. I have alot of known stresses at the moment and i am doing my best to acknowledge and prioritize them (juggling school and work)I'm afraid of being alone for long periods of time and I"m starting to avoid going places. This is not good. Help!

This time of year hits me like an iron hammer. The dark mornings and early evenings, rain, snow, that "trapped" feeling. I've had it since I was a kid. Last year was also especially difficult for me as I was out of work. I noticed that you are from BC, that's tougher than MI. Keep your home well lit, rearrange your furniture, paint/wallpaper, give your surroundings a peaceful place to "be". Play music, light candles, keep people around you and don't isolate. It's only a season and it will pass. Make some good memories this year so that you can reflect on them next year when old man winter arrives........Have fun! Ron

Me too. I don't much care for how early it gets dark. 4pm to 8pm is usually the hardest for me.
It seems like that just because its dark I think I need to stay inside. So that past few years I try to get out at that time whether its going to the store, working out, shopping, visiting friends
or whatever. I do like to paint so I try and do that or read. I just try to keep myself busy during that time. Sometimes I just use that as quiet time for myself. And I remind myself that
the darkness is not really that long and as soon as Dec. 20 or 21 comes along the days start getting longer again.
Sherra

"Well, some events have occured that were the same as last year and I'm afraid that they will trigger the anxiety to come back again"

This is classic Anticipation Anxiety. You are just anticipating what will happen. Tell yourself that this is a different year than last year. You have been through a whole year and have done well. Use positive self talk. Tell yourself all of the good things. Ex. Halloween is coming up and that will be great. Think how much fun Christmas will be . . . etc. The anticipation of the event is always worse than it is.

thank you all for your posts.

After making my post I got my journal out and had a look at the entries from last winter and it was hard at times but it really wasn't that 'bad'. I'm definitely stronger now in the sense that I believe in myself to be able to handle the anxiety if it does return. I know the steps and I just need to practice. practice. practice.

thanks again!

Last winter was a rough one for me because of the emotional turmoil I suffered due to anxiety & panic. With this winter coming on I can relate about the fear of winter blahs coming on. I can remember how helpless and hopeless I used to feel at that point in time.

However, I know now that the past does not equal the future and I can never go back to how I was then. I have grown as a person and am continuing to change and become more of myself while pursuing new goals and living a full life. In fact, just today I was out shopping and heard Christmas music (already!) and it put me into a very good mood. Whether it is winter, spring, summer or fall there is an opportunity to love life and live each moment mindfully. It really is all in our attitudes. I think this is going to be an awesome winter time and I look forward to it!

Hi Sparky,

I tell you I remember when you first came into chat and you were so afraid of life. It is such a blessing to see how far you have grown in such a short period of time. I think you have it and will continue to live life to the fullest and if you have struggles in the future and you will, I think you have the tools to come out on top of things. God bless you Sparky!!!

Sandra