S.A.D.D. or heading into holiday blues
 

Anyone else having a feeling of inertia? I'm looking at my stack of projects and holiday gifts to make and I just sigh and walk away. Yes, I have depression....have had it for years, take meds, but these are things I want to do. And they sit in piles and mock me. I'd love to know what anyone else with similar problem is doing to feel better and enjoy their fabric and projects.

start with a small project- one you can finish in an hour or two---(instant gratification) once you accomplish one- you get a (MOOD BOOST) sense of accomplishment- and feel more inspired to continue on with the next project-
stacking projects up tends to overwhelm most people- it is really best to only think about one---not the ten you want to do- we all go through this at sometime- and the holiday's tends to be the time when we are the worst- we want to do so much--just decide---i'm going to do one...when that one is done---you will be ready to do another-
good luck.

Ask your doctor to test your vitamin D level. If it is low it can contribute to worse depression especially in the winter.

I started another thread about S.A.D.D. I really seem to be suffering from it right now. Have had lots of pain but I'm used to that. The "dreary" feeling is horrible. I'm just like you...have projects stacked up and it's things I really want to do but I can't seem to get started. I'm researching the full spectrum lights that simulate sunshine and going to try those. I'm also on meds for depression and also on Vit. D and B12 shots. Not working.

Search for my thread...I don't know how to link it here. LOL Several people gave great suggestions and there's a link to a Mayo Clinic article about S,A.D.D.

I'm with you. i don't feel like sewing. i make myself finish a quilt top but completing it further isn't interesting. I'd rather read. I still must make something for my Sister and a friend. all presents are mailed off but for these two. Still, here i sit. i do need to be in the "mood" to sew. but i used to be in the mood so much more than i have lately.
think of one of the projects you would like to start and go for it. then think of which one would be next and do that one.
good luck.

i am right there with you have no answers mine usually hits first of Nov and lasts through most of jAN I have struggled with this for years I try to make myself work on projects anyway but find I make more mistakes. Today I decided to try some Christmas themed jewelry worked on it all afternoon should of only took an hour or so but I did manage to get it done only took 3 hours lol


























































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I feel that way when Christmas seems to be coming on fast. So I usually say to myself, "I will sit down for an hour and work on one project. " and sometimes it turns into two hours because I get inspired to finish it. Right now I have some emb. to do so hopefully I can start on those today. With the days being so short and darkness coming on early that is also a downer. So you are not alone in feeling the way you do.

I do not like the fact that it is dark before 6pm. It makes me just want to come home from school and put on my jammies. In fact, this morning it was dark when I went to school and I worked late after (because I cannot stand feeling a step behind all day long) and it was dark when I arrived back home after 6 pm. When it is like this, I truly have to force myself to go up to my sewing room. Once there, I generally enjoy myself but making myself go up there is the problem. It is so much easier to sit down in the recliner and pull a lap quilt over me. Once that happens, I am generally done for. And, I do have a few Xmas projects that I really need to get busy on.

I've been very lucky this year. The cold wintery weather is just now starting to settle in. That always depresses me but this year spring will be here in only 4 months. I can manage that. I try to get outside every day even if I have to bundle up. I am starting vitamin D this winter.

Wow, I thought it was just me. I don't feel depressed, just this feeling of inertia. I have been working on the same project now for a few weeks and it is all I can do to work on a few blocks a day. I am glad I am down to 8 blocks, but at this rate it may be June before I am done. I hate that I get home and barely have enough time to change my clothes before it is dark out. I am so glad that I only work part time and actually see daylight 4 days a week. It seems that I go to work in the dark and come home just before dark.

Well, it's summer here so SADD is not my problem, but I too have the same feeling. Not depressed but really finding it hard to get on with things. I have been saying "Just do it" as my mantra for today, and so far have finished grouting my mosaic patio bench, stained the legs of my coffee table (which I ambitiously took to pieces two weeks ago to sand and re-finish....no joke, it was seriously decrepit). I have a small rag quilt to finish cutting and piecing, (then I will be able to see the top of the dining room table) two bags to make for Christmas presents and also gift shopping for my husband and my youngest son......I have decided to keep up the mantra and just break everything up into segments.....wish me luck everyone:) So you are not alone.....and do get your vitamin D levels checked, my sister is D deficient, so even in sunny Australia, work and other commitments can easily have you missing out on this important element. Hang in there and baby steps will have you back on track.

Find one of the special lamps that's made especially for your condition. It only takes 10-20 minutes in front of the special lamp each day to help make the despression go away. My sister has the same disorder. I just saw that lamp advertised in the "Home Trends" catalog, if I recall directly. It's supposed to really help. It can't hurt - give it a try!

I have suffered with depression since having my thyroid removed years ago. Holidays are hard on some people and depression doesn't help. My suggestions is to light a candle or two or three(you get the idea), add some music you enjoy, maybe a little chocolate (okay, any excuse for chocolate) and lots of light will many times get me in the mood to do something even if I just sit at the machine of choice and sew on a scrap of fabric. Another depression buster is to visit your nearest fabric/quilt store and see all the beautiful spring fabrics just calling your name and something new (table runner, quilt, wallhanging, mug rug?) for when the daffodils start peeking through the snow. (Okay again, that fabric is calling my name but you know what I mean). Do Not stay away from the people who care about you, now is the time to call a friend over for friendship, encouragement, food (my preference--oh well you know my preference already) and maybe do something together to get you in the mood. Hope this helps.

I have a lightbox. It works. Honestly. I'm a retired social worker, and I worked in mental health for years. The research about this being done by a psychiatrist in Seattle makes a lot of sense. I sit in front of it in the morning for half an hour while I read my email or do my needlework.

There is a light out there you can buy ! I found it at McGuckins Hardware in Boulder one year.. Shoulda bought it but thought 200.00 for a light was ridiculous. But now after finding out the DH is diagnosed with that-shoulda coulda woulda !! Oh well .. maybe next time !

I've been in a bad slump for several months now. Walk into my sewing room (which I love) and look around, sometimes sit in the sewing chair, stare at my machines, and undone projects. A quilt for my ex DIL, some placemats, when I worked on them they all turned out different sizes, and had trouble doing them! Yesterday I decided I was going to FINISH something, and pulled out a UFO, and worked on it for several hours, then I actually COOKED dinner for my family...and planned a meal for today... I am determined to WORK my way out of this and get back to my projects! Good luck to you too, and all my sympathies to fellow quilters who are currently "slumping"

I hear you. I have seasonal depression. Definitely related to the amount of sunlight. Fortunately the weather has been cooperative. I'll be reading this thread also. I also take vit. D and try to push myself to keep going especially with some excercise. Right now I am quilting, driven on by Christmas. Everthing takes me a lot longer to do though and sometimes nothing happens but turning on the sewing machine and plugging in the iron for the evening. Strange don't you think? But I am trying. I am also counting down to spring.

You can start small also. Like one block. Or one strip.
I have been working on a quilt for my DSIL. I am now to the point, only borders left.
Been four days just starimg at it. Today I am cutting the strips for the borders.

I already posted once but I live in KC area our weatherman committed suicide this week due to depression so sad. Now I find myself obsessed with every bit of news I can get about him and his depression, I am visiting in DesMoines at my daughters so have been streaming the KC newas to my computer. I have to get over this obsession it is affecting me a lot I had a brother in law that did the same little over a year ago I find this brings back so many memories and is only adding to my saddness. I am just startinf to get so overwhelmed with it all

Here's a link to the other thread.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/general...d-t169952.html

My full spectrum Blue Max light from Full Spectrum Solutions is wonderful, but so is getting out every day in the fresh air - even if it's after dark. Thank goodness for my dogs. I really recommend having 'another heartbeat in the house'. Having a living being to care for gives me a reason to get up. My daughter who lost her husband two years ago finally got a kitten. That little furball really stirs up the stagnant chi in the corners!

Also check your iron levels as well. Mine got so low I couldn't even think straight. At least that's my story and I' sticking to it.