Posted by dove on February 3, 2005, at 8:41:29
In reply to Yes, I've Noticed, posted by jen2 on February 2, 2005, at 16:40:40
This is a reoccurring phenomena in my existence. I have been hospitalized four times during the months of February and March. Beginning in February, I often find myself feeling very overwhelmed and hopeless, and just struggling to go through the minimal of motions. I have many journals and calendars recorded during the last 15 years to prove it.
My pdocs initially chalked this up to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), but after introducing and expending extensive light therapy, meds and lots of spent $$$, found this not be the cause. Then we went the bipolar route, viewing the severe yearly dips as part of a cycle. However, this also proved to be a tenuous diagnosis, with no positive results and the fact that I still have never experienced any manner of mania.
One of my many pet-theories is the post-holiday letdown effect. When all those pressures leave, and one is allowed to return to "normal", one finds themselves overwhelmed, tired of all the pressures, worn-thin, exhausted by the effort (successful or otherwise) to meet expectations ect...
I am quite stable at the moment, and was last year also, but these are the first two times I have not essentially gone into the deep dark cavern of hopeless depression during the month of February in over 15 years.
I also seem to go through a dip during the summer, but this may be due to all the kids being home from school and not having time to be alone or any personal space to breathe.
Just some thoughts to add to the discussion.
dove
poster:dove
thread:451219
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050202/msgs/452339.html