Because this was a wild holiday week for me, I decided to re-run an excerpt from a very important blog entry from 2014, entitled ‘Sissies, Cross Dressers And Seasonal Affective Disorder‘ and jump back into fashion and feminization next week. Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD for short) is a very real thing. It can affect a person negatively and put them in a bad headspace. The holiday season is difficult for many people because of many reasons and I thought I would give a little encouragement this week to anyone that might be feeling down. There is absolutely no shame in feeling that way, but there are things you can do about it. Please read this blog I wrote my first year here at LDW and know that I am sending you all the warmest wishes for health and happiness in 2018.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Caused by reduced sunlight and a change in season, Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD), is characterized by feeling sad or hopeless, having sleep or appetite changes, having less interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling social withdrawal. People with SAD sometimes feel a sense of unworthiness and cannot see the value in themselves or even moving ahead with life.

SAD should not be confused with feeling down temporarily. Sometimes, the day is just garbage and nothing goes right. No, I’m talking about sadness that lingers and gets worse, something you can’t shake. If you’re turning down opportunities to see friends, go outside, can’t get out of bed or just feel empty, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Here’s how to get back to feeling like yourself again….

If you recognize the symptoms above, please reach out. There is no shame in seeking out medical attention or a therapist that can help. I even have someone that I talk to once a month, just to clear my head and get a different perspective! In addition, you can also:
1) Get as much natural light as possible. There may not be sun, but you can still sit by a window or try to get outside in the early part of the day in order to try and benefit from the natural light.
2) Look into buying a light box to use indoors. I have seen them from anywhere $55 to $300. (Update Dec 27/2017– I just checked Amazon and saw one for $33). You don’t have to spend the rent on them, though. Just browsing the internet showed me options to spend less rather than more.
3) Change your diet and get some exercise. Eating garbage is not going to help you feel better, but in addition to better eating, get moving. If you have identified the symptoms of SAD, then you owe it to yourself to take charge and get a handle on it.

I am not a doctor, but I am a good friend and I have talked to a great many of you. As fun and festive as this season can be, it can also be hell on alot of people. It’s easy to get depressed because of family issues, personal losses, people you miss, and hurts that rear their ugly head more around this time of year. Please be mindful of Seasonal Affective Disorder. You aren’t alone.

If you are having thoughts of self-harm, please call The National Suicide Helpline at 1-800-273-8255.