Adventures In Running

Friday, May 20, 2011

Depression and the weather

I was very proud of myself this winter for being able to wean myself off of anti-depressants after several years of requiring them. Winter is probably the worst time of year to try and do this (unless you happen to reside in Arizona or Florida) because of the lack of sunlight. However, between my usual working out a lot and switching over to using a regular Magnesium supplements (I had read several books that suggested this as a possible solution) – I was able to continue functioning without the usual side effects.

Things were going fine – until a week ago. Then the rain started. And the rain continued. And the rain seems to never want to go away.

I can tell that depression is lurking on the edges and wanting to pull me into its nasty little grasp.

I could never live in Seattle. I need (make that NEED) sunlight way too much in my life. Running outside can often help bring my mood back into its happy place. And running in the rain can be peaceful and leave you with a clean, calm feeling. But not every single day. That just makes you cold and wet and more depressed.

So – the light box is going to come out again. It helps with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

And maybe several doses of chocolate…..