Paula @ Gracefilled Moments \”Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you;I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].\”
Isaiah 41:10— AMP
There it was bigger than life on a big screen. My heart, as I watched my catheterization procedure.
My New Year was off to a good start— NOT! I spent the first several days in the hospital. Wow, was I ever winded. I\’m a fluffy girl, but I don\’t usually get winded. In fact, that isn\’t me at all. So I went to the E.R. and ended up staying. I had abnormal test results, chemical stress test, and an echocardiogram. So I needed a catheterization to check me out more clearly. Thankfully it went well, and I am okay.
I\’m so tired; I could sleep all day. I\’ve been in a fibromyalgia flare, and prednisone is my friend. I\’m on a step-down.
Have you ever had a season when it seems like everyday tasks and your to-do list take so long? I would use something other than procrastination here. More like fatigue, sluggishness, depletion, and chronic pain. Can someone give me some more spoons, please? This will pass and run its course, though.
Do you ever get the winter doldrums? A.K.A. gloomies, the blues, blahs, dumps, and the funk. What do you call yours?
I\’ve experienced Seasonal Affective Disorder for many years. From fall time change until spring time change. I\’m in a funk. I\’m not particularly eager to go out of my house (but I do); my blinds are drawn, the curtains closed, and the gloomies, the blues, blahs, dumps, and the funk last the whole season.
Do you or someone you know experience Seasonal Affective Disorder?
The Mayo Clinic discribe it this way 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. If you\’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer and resolves during the fall or winter months.
— 5% of the population experiences it in any given year, or around 10 million Americans.
— The onset of this condition is most common between 18 and 30.
— The average age when people first start developing symptoms is 23.
— Between 13% and 17% of people who develop SAD have an immediate family member with the disorder.
— We need vitamin D. It\’s more difficult to get vitamin D in the winter since there\’s less sunlight, and colder temperatures keep us inside.
So yes, it\’s more than just the winter blues; it\’s rather depressing.
I can\’t wait for the spring time change because I look forward to feeling like myself. I love it because my energy increases. I love the sunshine and even the heat of summer too.
Friends, please hang in there with me. I apologize for my delay in responding to posts or comments. Please know, it may take me some time, but I will always answer you.
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Paula, glad to hear your heart checked out ok. Fibromyalgia just does me in, flare ups are bad at times, and the winter season doesn’t help matters, makes it worse! We just have to try and hang in there and do the best we can. Thanks so much for hosting. My entry numbers are 5 and 6.
Winter can be such a hard season for so many. I’m sorry for all you’re experiencing, Paula. That is tough. 🙁 I’m glad the days are already getting longer again. We need the Light in more ways than one!
I’m sad to hear it has been so challenging, Paula! I pray you are able to enter into a season of peacefulness and restfulness which bring refreshment to your spirit, soul and body.
I have suffered with depression since my teenage years. I also get SAD so January and February are my worst months of the year. Been really struggling this last week. But been doing a lot of reading to take my mind off of things
Paula, thank you so much for hosting the sweet tea and friends monthly link-up. I shared a few of my posts. I hope I can inspire more people to create my easy-to-follow DIY projects. I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your week.
Paula,
I am so sorry that you ended up in the hospital…You asked if anyone ever felt that way and Yes, I have been there…One winter I was particularly cold after suffering from hot flashes for 12 years, had muscle cramps, fatique and was exhausted at the slightest activity. I thought it was Lupus as i am tested for it yearly because of a positive family history. It turned out to be another auto immune disease, Hashimoto’s Thyrioditis…It usually goes hand in hand with IBS which I do have and Fibro which i am sure i have episodes of…Hang in there…I actually Love the darkness of the Winter because I adore how my house looks with all the lighting for the Holidays that i decorate for including Winter and Valentine’s!! Sun is my enemy also because of the Sun and Heat sensivity caused by the Hashimoto’s…But I do understand SAD as I had a friend who had to use a Sunlight lamp in the Winter months…
Thanks again for hosting this charming party every week! I know how much time goes into doing so and I want you to know that it I truly appreciate it!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Thank you so much for your kind words, Debbie. I appreciate your kindness and support, sweet friend.
Paula, my sweet friend I am so sorry for your hospitaliztion and set back! Sending you sweet, warm, and sunny hugs!!
Paula, I pray that as the sun comes into your home through the windows, as you sit in your car and the sun warms it up, that you will hold onto the hope of brighter days!
Thanks, bunches for your kind words and support, Joanne. I really appreciate you. {{Hugs}}
Paula, it’s so good to know that God is always with us. He’s there when we experience great joy, but He’s also there when we feel like the darkness is closing in or we just have those winter doldrums.
Amen, Donna. Thank you so much for your kind words. {{Hugs}}
I’m sorry you had to start your new year in the hospital. That must have been unnerving. Seasonal disorder is a big one here in Wisconsin as our winters are so long and so brutal. I keep busy with lots of projects to make the time go by faster. I also have a sunroom to enjoy.
I am sorry to hear about your winter troubles. Thankfully the days are already getting longer, and I hope you’re feeling better. It must be really hard to have to deal with that every year. Take care!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Lory. Yes, I can’t wait for the spring time change next weekend. {{Hugs}}
So sorry to hear you were so unwell at the start of the year. Here’s to Spring and some sunshine for us all.
Thanks for joining in with #pocolo
I’m so sorry you’re going through such a rough patch. I don’t have full blown SAD because my winter blahs don’t last through the winter – but I am always noticeably sluggish, moody, and down every time it’s cold and rainy or gloomy. Taking Vit D supplements and having lots of lights on in the house on the rainy days does help. Take care of yourself and I hope that as you visit the posts that are linked up, you find lots of encouragement and cheer.
Thank you so much, Kym. And Yes, I sure did find much encouragement while reading all the posts linked up. {{Hugs}}
Aw, Paula … I’m so sorry that winter is tough for you. Give yourself grace, friend … you are a wonderful blog encourager and linkup hostess. Love and hugs to you!
I do take Vitamin D supplements in the winter months and force myself outside anytime the sun is shining and the temperature is above 30. I find that has helped tremendously with my seasonal blues; I’m never going to love winter or cold but it’s definitely helping me be more “me” during this dreary season.
I have also taken Vitamin D over the years, but I haven’t taken it consistently every season. There have been years when I’ve forgotten. I’m happy to hear you’ve found some relief to feel more like yourself during seasonal blues, dear friend. {{Hugs}}
Keep the faith and continue to trust in the Lord. He will carry you through these tough times and bring you out even stronger. Just as He turned the water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana (John 2:1-11), He can bring joy and blessings out of your current struggles. Remember that He promises to give you beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3), and He will bring light to your darkness. Just as the winter eventually turns into spring, your season of hardship will pass, and you will see new growth and blessings.
We as a family are also going through a difficult time. My old father-in-law has passed away and family relations are complicated. So my emotions… I struggle with them. If I lived close by, I would have a cup of coffee with you. Or tea.
Lots of love, Aritha.
Sending prayers to you and your family, Aritha. It would be nice to have coffee or tea together wouldn’t it? In the meantime pop on over for a virtual cup of coffee or tea anytime, sweet friend. {{Hugs}}
I’m glad you were able to get checked out with the heart cath. I hope everything checked out ok and you don’t have to undergo any procedures. On the other hand, it’s so good they have procedures to prevent heart attacks now.
I do get “winter blues” due to the cold, lesser daylight, barren landscape, and frequent overcast skies. I don’t think it’s to the extent of SAD for me, as I can alleviate it if I keep busy. But I am counting the days to spring!
Yes, Barbara, everything did check out okay with the heart cath. Blessings. {{Hugs}}
Paula,
I’m so sorry to hear you’re flaring and that you’ve had such a lot to go along with it. I’m praying for you as I type this and will until you share that you’ve managed to press through this flare/SAD.
In His love,
Tammy
Thank you so much, Tammy; I really appreciate your prayers. The most part of the flair is settled, but I have chronic daily pain. And woo hoo, I can’t wait for spring time change next weekend regarding SAD. {{Hugs}}
Hi Paula, What a fantastic article. Your post was the most-clicked article on our Grace & Truth Link-Up, and I am so excited to feature you Friday on my website. Thank you for sharing about SAD. I had no idea that so many people are impacted by it. You have shined a light on an important topic.
I hope spring comes soon for you. I’m sorry that SAD has impacted your life. Thank you for using your pain to educate others.