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SAD. So Sad
Welcome November!
Hallowe’en, done. Clocks forward, done. World Series, done. Lawn furniture in the barn, done. Pool closure, done. Winter jackets, hats, scarves located and relocated, done. We’re just around the corner from a brand new year. I’ve read on social media that a few of us are just about ready to “throw that darned turkey into the oven, open some presents and go back to bed” until January 1st, 2026. Sometimes I resemble that sentiment, especially this morning. I’m almost ready to just skip November and December, and slip quietly into the new year. Then I think about how many times my parents must have coped with difficult situations and setbacks, year-round. I figure what doesn’t drive me around the bend just makes me zanier, I mean stronger.
So, welcome November! The grey month. For many people who suffer from depression, November is an unforgiving month. With the darker days of late fall, waning sunlight and colder temperatures comes SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, is a type of depression that often manifests in the dreary month of November. But y’all knew that, right? Y’all knew about SAD? You’ve probably read about SAD. You’ve heard people talking about feeling down-inthe- dumps, likely because of SAD, but you sorta, kinda didn’t believe it. Am I right? You know I am. I was a SAD skeptic I figured all a person had to do was smile, perk up, suckit- up or give their overcast head a shake. Oftentimes, in November, folks feel as if there couldn’t possibly be enough coffee for that much needed boost of energy to deal with the day. A SAD sufferer often doesn’t feel hungry but figures a big bowl of leftover Hallowe’en treats will make life feel all better while lying in bed wondering how to cope with overcast skies, the chill winds and the earlier sunsets. November is a relentless month. Leaving the house is draining. Laughing is forced. Meals, no matter how delicious, are tolerated or skipped. Some folks will feel hopeless or worthless and might have lost interest in all of the things they usually enjoy. For me, although I never admitted to suffering from SAD, it’s all about the lack of energy and my inability to concentrate or make a decision. I might be a SAD gal.
This year, I’ll be facing November with a daily Vitamin D tablet. I’ll try to get outside more often for a brisk walk to snag a bit of sun. I’ll try to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, consume less fried food and include more whole grains. Since I’m already a regular gym goer, I’ll push myself a bit more than usual. Also, instead of falling asleep scrolling on my laptop or cellphone in the evening, I’ll dig into that pile of books quietly awaiting my attention on the coffee table. I have also made a vow to spend more time being sociable. Yeah, I can see some of you snickering about that one, but I can socialize. I’ve done it before. I think I remember how it works. And, last but not least, I’ll work on going to bed a whole lot earlier. I’ll hit the hay without using the television to bore me into a coma.
For those of you who deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder, please don’t be afraid to speak with a healthcare professional if your symptoms are severe or if you’re having difficulty coping with your daily life. Depression, and SAD, is a mental health condition. Depression, and SAD, isn’t something that can be cured by placing slices of raw onion on the soles of your feet under your delightful hand-knit wool socks.
“November’s sky is chill and drear, November’s leaf is red and sear.”– Sir Walter Scott
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