Are we headed towards a Blue Christmas?

Hi Everyone,
  For some inexplicable reasons, I'm finding myself rather irritated these days.  Something's off.  I know things can be with the holidays, though I don't see why that would be the case for me.  I think it's the cold, actually.  And maybe hormones.  

  And what's strange is that, for the first time, I'm not overeating to compensate for it.  In fact, I'm (rather concernedly) undereating.  I've never been the one not to eat, but that's where I am sometimes these days.  

  I've noticed that a lot of us are feeling kindof blue lately.  So, if that's you, know that you have good company, if that helps at all.  

  One thing that I've noticed is that my moods are really lifted after a good workout.  I went to ballet class last night and almost felt euphoric.  In the midst of the bleak mid-winter (not that winter has even started, but you know what I mean) I think it's important to give our bodies some of what they might be missing.  Endorphins may be a lifeline in all this cold and darkness.  Maybe you can come join us on the fitness challenge if you haven't already, if accountability helps you.  

  So - are you concerned that you might be headed towards a Blue Christmas, too?  What are you doing to cope?

Hi Rosa!!

No - I'm not headed towards a Blue Christmas this year, but have in the past (last year to be precise).

I have linked my moods and bluesiness with what's going on with/in my life - the stresses of relationships, jobs, kids, money, etc.

But I also have a tendency to have SADD - but that is also affected by whats happening in my life.

When I was real bluesy I exercised - and it did make a huge difference. 

I'm kind of the opposite this year. I have been in an oddly good mood lately. I do work out almost daily, and I think that has a lot to do with it. After a long run, I am on a natural high all day. I'm also super happy with my husband and kids, just finished my first semester back in school, and am obviously healthier than I have ever been.

DH almost gets irritated with me sometimes because I always look on the bright side, almost to a fault. I can find positives in any situation.

I hope things turn around for you soon. It could most definitely be hormonal, sometimes we can be hormonal trainwrecks during the losing phase. Sending big hugs your way!

(oh, and look on the bright side, you are not over-eating to cope with moods, you are exercising!)

I'm late to work so will have to come back to this tomorrow as I have plans for tonight.  I just wanted to send you a boat load of hugs Rosa. 

I hedged my bets this year and started to double my Wellbuterin about 3 weeks ago after speaking with my Psych. I'm actually not depressed and looking forward to this holiday but when my son goes home in January and I am home alone and not back to work, I see things heading south. Oddly enough I find myself eating too little too. I've actually lost a few more lbs and didn't really want to.

 Eating well...excercise and being thin has boosted my mood...it's gonna be a great christmas. Now I live in northern california and we have had rain for the past week and another week in store...no sun...except a few glimpses...SOOO....I have been feeling a bit down...I am going to the mall today to get one of those lights that gives you sunlight..and I will use it a bit to see if it helps...I always suffered from SAD and even with the antidepressant I take it affects me...so I am going to take preventative measures....so that's my remedy for now...not eating carbs can make you CRANKY...you don't even realize it until the people around you are like GRRRRRR....so perhaps that's it...it will pass...SEAVIEW

O'yes...my mood is all over the place--and just recently too.  Sometimes I can explain why.  Other times I cannot.  PMS'ing since WLS is off the wall.  I guess I am so much more in tune with my body. 

I went to my support group meeting this week.  I needed an extra boost of education and reinforcement on how to not turn to food in times of crisis.  It was great and I am so glad I went.  I heard a recent post-op (3 wks out) say that she absolutely had to do ALL of her Christmas baking because the kids "needed" it and "deserved" it.  I love to bake too but I don't go that far in saying anyone needs it--I bake, wrap it up and ship it out.  It never lingers in my home.  I thought it was horribly unfair of her college aged daughters to insist on their mother baking--my gosh, who feels like doing all that work 3 wks after surgery?

I'm really going to focus on all the other positive things about celebrating the holidays and not concentrate on food.  I'm going to treasure getting all doll'd up and not having to worry this year about looking like a giant round Christmas ornament.  I'm going to focus on the beautiful decorations and quality time with family and friends.  I'm also going to count my blessings and be thankful for my great health and fitness level.

I also think I am going to post a list on the fridge of all the things that I could do instead of eat!  This will help me deal with head hunger and remind me of the importance not to eat when mad, sad, glad, etc!

Happy Holidays to all my LW friends!

Big hugs to you!!

I think with the weather, lack of sunshine and the loss of food is a struggle for me right now too. Exercise does seem to really help. And so does company! The LW's have been a blessing for me!

~Maria