Shining a Light on SAD: My Struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder | Living in Ireland

[@PaulHawkins-tn1cf]

Hi. I am from Newfoundland. Canada. We get same weather as you guys but we get a lot of snow in winter. Best thing to do is get out as much as possible in fall and winter and embrace it. It will go a lot quicker. We get a lot of rain and fog here all year long. July and August are the best 2 months. Maybe sign up for group events or play a indoor sport in winter etc. Here we can go skating. Skiing. Sliding.skidooing. etc outside in winter. You just got to be creative.You can't just stay indoors and worry about it. Best of luck from your Irish cousins across the pond

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Great advice! Thank you so much for your comment 😊

[@PaulHawkins-tn1cf]

@@impromptuimmigrants Your Welcome. Have a great Spring and Summer

[@AthDara62]

Hi Bromwyn, yes, weather can get you down. Funny thing is, sometimes it's not as bad as you think. I do a bit of cycyling and am part of a cycling group. Left to myself somedays I wouldn't go out, but once committed to the group I do, and am often surprised it's not as bad as I'd think looking out at it. My suggestion is to join a group activity, badminton, drama, whatever (indoor activities not weather dependant), something that'll get out out of the house & meet people once or twice a week. I know with a young family it's not easy but it's important to make time for yourself and your own wellbeing. Also, if you're still working nights, it can affect you, especially you're sleep cycle. Maybe when Evvy starts school you can get back to working days and a more normal sleep cycle. I played badminton in Dungarvan years ago so I suspect they have a club. Apart from getting some exercise (endorphin boost) you get to meet people and have a chat and a laugh and in time, something to look forward to.

[@creekyknee]

This is great advice. I definitely suffer from SAD. I hate it, I detest the long winters here. Its the lack of light, the constant wet cold weather. Its the 3rd April and its still miserable. Like you, I used to go cycling regularly with a few guys and we would cycle even in November and it helped. But, its so hard to motivate yourself when you look out the Window and its dark and raining again.

[@impromptuimmigrants]

My son has just started badminton twice a week and absolutely loves it! Evie starts school in September so that is really going to open up some time to focus on me and my interests and find myself again!! Thank you for your comment!

[@dexterdanieltnt]

Thanks for sharing this issue. Appreciate it more so that can affect persons coming from diverse weather not found in Ireland .... in my case, the Caribbean

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Thanks for commenting. I've battled to find personal stories about this. But apparently, it can happen in any season, not just winter.

[@emmaforestweaver]

Vitamin D spray, daily and year round, is the most absorbent treatment. We also have a sad lamp. I read an article that suggested that you don't try to replicate summer sunlight in the home, but rather use more candles, and string up fairy lights outside to brighten the dark. We have a fir tree in the garden that we use as a "season tree", decorating it with autumn leaves, spring and summer flowers, and Christmas lights in the winter

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Love the idea of a season tree! Thank you so much for your comment

[@lynettehorak7678]

Glad you back Bronwyn, I really missed your videos.... hope this summer will be good for your soul and wellbeing.... everything of the best and can't wait for your next video... lots of ❤ ❤ love

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Thank you so much! We are so looking forward to summer!

[@ambercc0602]

I'm sorry to hear that you struggled this winter. It's so interesting to hear your story. We've only been living in Ireland for a year and this winter, being our first, was incredibly tough for us too. I'm so happy to hear that you are feeling better and soaking up the sunshine ☀

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Thank you so much for your comment. It's a big adjustment to make!

[@keithmclachlan7520]

I really enjoyed your conversation, nothing fancy, just you being you. I am very proud of you and your wonderful family. You took a big step leaving sunny South Africa to go and live in an amazing and awesome country. You have made your journey work by persevering through the difficult times, and, by not having much in the beginning. It is through our trials and hardships that real growth takes place. The challenges we face become the catalyst to a stronger character, where empathy for others will play a significant role. In order for a seed to release its inherent life, it must be planted in the darkness of the soil. Then with the warmth and rays of the sun, that seed will then germinate. At times darkness in and around our lives, can be used for such a purpose, together with the Sun, causing the inherent Life within us to germinate and flow out and touch the hearts and lives of others, which I know you are doing. See you soon!

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Looking forward to having you and mom here soon!!

[@creekyknee]

Bromwyn - I definitely suffer from SAD. Each winter I go to hell. I don't want to do anything, I don't want to say I'm depressed but I lose any zest for life that I usually have. I hate being like this and once the days start getting longer and the warm sun starts shining, I'm back out on my bike regularly and doing things around the garden and house. One person suggested getting involved in group activities like joining a cycling club or perhaps a running club. I think that would help. One of the things that we try and do is head off for a cheapie week in the Sun in November. You can always guarantee warm weather in the Canary Islands and it breaks up our miserable winters. We are hoping to be in a position next year to spend from September til April in the South of Spain for that very reason. Our kids are raised so hopefully we can work that. BUT.... you are not alone. I hate the dark winters in Ireland. But... the summers are wonderful.

[@impromptuimmigrants]

The summers are wonderful! And it's so refreshing to hear other peoples stories about how the winters affect them. Not many people talk about it. mid winter breaks sound like they might just be the answer!

[@liammckeogh]

I know from hearing from friends that you are not alone in feeling this way. I don't have any solutions for you. You did give me heart failure the first time the video dropped. 🤣🤣🤣

[@impromptuimmigrants]

When i watched it back it did look like i wrecked the car!! silly handsfree wasn't very reliable! Thank you for your comment!

[@azuluoverseas]

Hey Bronwyn, glad to see you are back and on the way to full healing. Gee I have only been here for 2 months and wow does it rain 😅. I force myself outside even for an hour no matter the weather just to clear the brain fog. Missing SA but will find my path...Look forward to the Summer vibes !!!

[@impromptuimmigrants]

It's been a lot rainier than usual... if that's possible!! Summer is around the corner! Hope you're settling in well!

[@azuluoverseas]

@impromptuimmigrants got myself a routine which helps make settling in easier. Going to try this cold water swimming which everyone seems mad about here. Tomorrow it's me and the ocean at Bray brrrrrr 😀

[@impromptuimmigrants]

oooh!! Goodluck!!! It's an incredible feeling once you recover from the initial shock!

[@brianboru8155]

Good to see you back. The weather can be a bit of a downer in Ireland but living on the east coast you can usually console yourself knowing it's worse in the west. Anyway it's sunny outside at the moment and the temperatures seem to be heading towards double figures centigrade. 🙂

[@impromptuimmigrants]

It was sunny!! Now it's windy!! I am grateful to be living in the sunny south east!

[@peppermintpatty4469]

Hi Bronwyn, I have been looking out for a new video from you and wondering if all was well. I totally understand how you feel, depression is awful, just saps all energy and motivation. Lack of sunshine is a killer for me too. I find winters hard and we live in NZ where it is a mild climate. I love Ireland, but know I would not cope with winters there. I would imagine that there must be many other people that struggle too. I lived in London for three years and found I was going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark through the winter months. Ugh! I am guessing that South Africa would have a very bright sun, as New Zealand does. Ireland has a softer light, and even in Summer I remember days when the clouds sat very low and the sun did not peek through. Our relatives live in Dublin and come out to New Zealand for January most years. Not everyone can afford to do that, especially with children. Maybe somewhere closer to Ireland for a sunny break would help, but again not always affordable. You can get special light lamps to sit in front of, they help some people and maybe hospitals or doctors there lend them out... We come to life again in Spring, there is nothing like it. I've often envied the Alaskan snow frog who can shut himself down for the winter and comes back to life as it warms up! I wish you all the best, my GP is from Glasgow and he and his family came to New Zealand as he struggled with depression in the winter. It's not uncommon, it's just that until you start talking about it, people don't tend to mention it. Thank you for your honesty and I hope you get a wonderful summer.

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Hibernation does sound like the perfect answer to cold, dark winters! I think we will have to start planning sunny spots to visit in winter, just to get a break! Thank you so much for your comment x

[@renatewest6366]

I live in Australia and I feel depressed in Summer.. I hate the heat it makes me nauseated , tired and dizzy.Also exhausted. Planning on relocating to Ireland.Also already had 2 basil cells carcinomas removed from face.Where sunscreen and a hat. too.I find heat oppressive on Victoria.Lucjy I don't live in Northern Australia.

[@impromptuimmigrants]

I have heard that SAD can also occur in summer. I suppose it's all in trying to fund a balance. Thank you for your comment.

[@PeterBrennanfisic]

Agree. I spent two months in Singapore once. The heat is far too oppressive. Give me the Irish climate any day

[@davidmcl5559]

Great that you are back. You might have Vitamin D deficiency. I had the same symptoms and got blood tests and i was put on Vitamin D supplements and had a very good winter

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Thanks so much for your comment. That is well worth looking into! Taking vitamin D has been strange for us as we never needed it in South Africa. I have the kids on a strict regiment of vitamin D... I take it when i remember!!

[@claireLpearce]

I stay in Canada and winter really gets me down. I started taking a supplement with Vit D, Vit C and zinc as well as joining a hiking group (yes in the snow and negatives) and it made such a difference.

[@derrickmurphy9859]

Funny thing is I left Ireland once with the family and lived in sunny florida for a few yrs it was great but bloody too hot especially from June to September I couldn't even ride my motorcycle unless I wore shorts and a t-shirt which I don't do I like having good protection. I don't think there's a great country for weather that suits everyone. Since I came home I just dress for the weather and just get out and enjoy life,and I bloody appreciate a good sunny day in Ireland, hang in there❤

[@impromptuimmigrants]

That is so true... every sunny day is never wasted or taken for granted! Summer is coming!

[@PeterBrennanfisic]

Bear in mind we have had record rainfall for March. It is not usually this bad. global warming seems to be giving us more rainfall. Warmer but wetter winters. I go out walking with my dog every day despite the rain. It doesn’t bother me that much.

[@impromptuimmigrants]

April seems to be pretty rainy so far too. Thanks so much for the comment. Have a great week 😊

[@edwardkelly3425]

This wasn't just a bad Irish Winter. It has pretty much rained non stop from last July. I am a born and bred Irish man and I have found the last year absolutely miserable. You are definitely not alone, lots of Irish people suffer from this too. December 21st is my favourite day of the year, the days are finally starting to get longer again. As someone else in the comments mentioned, vitamin D supplements are important to consider when living at this lattitude.

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Thank you so much for your comment. This rain is something else!! I am so enjoying the longer days though!

[@LOGOS422]

People wonder why the Irish historically drank so much. Experience the miserable weather for long enough and you begin to understand why the cosy pubs look so inviting.

[@impromptuimmigrants]

The pubs truly are cosy! Love the traditional music they play here at our local pubs.

[@mbp1646]

Sorry to hear you were suffering Bronwyn but good to know you have figured it out. Vitamin D seems to be an essential Irish winter supplement for people used to sunnier climates. Worth knowing also that there are some outdoor activities that are still quite active in Winter time. Photography clubs oddly are one because it is easier to get sunrise and sunset shots in Winter. Orienteering in another interesting one because it is suitable for the whole family and you can do any level from leisurely walk in the woods up to serious competition. Regardless I do think that sometimes when the blues hit it is important to accept that it isn't your fault and that it will pass.

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Thank you so much for your comment. I would love to join a photography group, I know there is one here in town. I think I'll get in touch with them.

[@johncahalane7327]

This is a problem living anywhere in Northern Europe from really the change of time in October I lived for many years in America actually at a more northern position and always had to take a winter break in the sun almost on the equator ....returned now I find winter living in the light or lack of a major problem again...getting out yes you can dress for rain as opposed to snow but a white landscape is not as difficult and a fine day or days in New England you get blue skies and yes sun getting to April 1st I see a change already.... that hour of light does make a difference, got a friend in the Netherlands with exactly the same issues...hang in there bright days on the way

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Brighter days are coming! We are so looking forward to summer! Thank you for youro comment x

[@johncahalane7327]

@@impromptuimmigrants Yes please inspire of Kathleen...stay safe

[@johndonohoe6764]

Get out every day and go for a walk, just for an hour, dress for the weather....wellies, rain coat, hood. Somewhere peaceful in the countryside with nature if possible.

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Yes! I do need to do that!! Now to motivate myself!! Thank you so much for the comment!

[@johnmcgrath3874]

The weather all over Europe has been so bad not just Ireland ,Try the hot pod in Clonea strand and a dip after it will help Bromwyn ,

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Great idea actually! I've seen it there. Apparently cold water swimming does wonders for the body and mind!

[@ajcummins7776]

Structure your annual holiday for mid winter. With school kids that mean Xmas/New Year. Two or ideally three weeks away mid winter. Go to the Canaries or Madeira. Cheap accessible flights. Affordable packages for families.

[@impromptuimmigrants]

I definitely think we will be doing that from now on... just a break from the weather would be amazing!

[@ajcummins7776]

@@impromptuimmigrants Get your E 111 cards in order to save on health insurance abroad (free). Book a family appt with kitchenette near a supermarket and stock up on arrival.. and book well in advance. All these means it won't cost an arm and leg. Good luck!

[@impromptuimmigrants]

@@ajcummins7776 Great advice, thank you!

[@LorraineCawley-gx2qd]

So sorry Bromwin....ì live in the west of Ireland and understand how u feel,,,hang in there it will get better,, vit b supplements will help ..lots luv❤❤❤

[@impromptuimmigrants]

Thank you so much! I can definitely see the light at the end of this tunnel!

[@Hello-yn2dx]

My brother in law, who grew up in Florida, has just returned to America after 5 years in Ireland as he couldn’t cope with the weather there anymore. Unfortunately the weather in Ireland is abysmal, it’s probably helpful to book short overseas breaks regularly to try and counteract it - that’s what many of my family do. I used to live in Galway, but couldn’t deal with the weather either, and returned to the south of England. Sad lamps can be helpful too. All the best to you.

[@impromptuimmigrants]

This year has been especially bad with the constant rain. but look, the days are brighter now and summer is nearly here. I think we will have to start booking some mid winter vacations to break the cold!! Thank you for your comment!