chrisbrogan.com - Latest Comments in How the Seasonal Blues Work

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

yuregininsesi — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:50:47 -0000

I find that as long as I stay out of the stores, I'm ok. Of course that doesn't help our struggling economy much I know, but there are lots of online venues these days. I was in Target yesterday and it just really really depressed me. All that stuff screaming BUY ME BUY ME!!!! I just know myself now and I know what triggers me. Remember it's cyclical like you said. "This too shall pass." Love you Chris!

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

kvpkrishna — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:10:40 -0000

# Despair and hopelessness
# Little motivation to complete even simple tasks
# Low self-esteem and self-confidence
# Low energy levels, tired and run-down
# Trouble falling asleep, nightmares, waking and can't fall back asleep
# Daily life is severely affected
# Loss of appetite
# Loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities
# Symptoms last longer than two months
* Changes in sleep habits such as insomnia, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much.
* Changes in eating habits such as loss of appetite or weight gain.
* Decreased energy, feeling of fatigue.
* Restlessness and irritability.
* Difficulty in concentration, remembering, and making decisions.
* Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt or worthlessness.
* Persistent sad, anxious, or empty feelings.
* Loss of interest in pleasurable activities, such as involvement with loved ones or hobbies.
* Thoughts of death or suicide.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Kathy Berman — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:22:21 -0000

Dear Chris-You are such an amazing giver and you have helped me a number of times. As an ex-counselor (there really is no such thing) and knowing full well you said no advice, my advice to you is to check out S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder). My father suffered needlessly for years and he would call me from W.Va. every year with all the symptoms. Until I read your post, I never realized he was enjoying it. Sometimes it does feel good to feel bad. Thanks again, Kathy at Kathy Berman.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Malinda — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:06:28 -0000

explains the mood swings...been in on what we used to call "cabin fever," now officially S.A.D., for too many years. I want to go to Disney. Maybe that would help. Thanks for sharing.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Karin Manske — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:22:03 -0000

I am becoming a fan, fast :) Reading your post I feel encouraged to accept myself with moods, blues and all. Thanks for sharing!

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Katy Spears — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:53:27 -0000

When this happens you just need to be able to feel it and get through it. Attempts to cheer you up can make you feel "un-heard". One just seeks validation, the ability to just be, as you are, and to just sit with it. understood.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

The Daily Blonde — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:48:06 -0000

This is by far one of the best posts I've read all day. It's real and honest...and I am so sick of reading posts that say, "I'm so fantastic, I just made a million dollars doing nothing." In real life these people are delusional. I'm not going to tell you to snap out of it...sometimes it's good to be in that funk for a bit. Been there, done that, will do it again!

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Tim — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:41:31 -0000

Hope this time inspires you

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Karen Talavera — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:38:44 -0000

Thanks for the refreshing honesty. I had a hormone-induced bout of depression hit me unexpectedly in November. No big outward or emotional thing was wrong and I have a great life and all that - plus live in Florida (our sunshine is a natural anti-depressant). But I temporarily couldn't feel happiness and joy. My body was running a program I couldn't mentally control. What makes all the difference is awareness of that fact. When you have conscious awareness of what is occurring, as you do in your situation, you just let the blues run their course. And best of all, you see them for the opportunity they are to slow down, reflect, recharge and get in touch with the inside. I wish more people could be opportunistic about depression. Nothing is wasted.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Doug Firebaugh — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:42:11 -0000

Bummer- just lost both of my parents -this holiday season will be-well- a blue Christmas as Elvis says. We are with you Chris-great post and love the honesty.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Rob Gokee — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:48:24 -0000

I think you're right in that everyone gets them, but few talk about it. Ever since I've run my own business (as a composer), I get anxious and list obsessive around the middle of November, with a desire to cram everything I can in before Jan 1. This year I forced myself to stop and look at my productivity and income in 2008 vs 2007, and realized that I'd done more than I thought, and that I should go a little easier on myself. Thanks, Chris, for opening up about your "bad weather" online.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Mike Wilton — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:46:50 -0000

Great post. I too have something that just kind of clicks each year around the same time. I have my moments where I snap out of it, but for the most part I'm like you and it just carries out until after the holiday season. Looking forward to 2009 and what you have to offer us readers. Keep up the great work!

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Joseph T. Dager — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:43:54 -0000

I like the pic. Maybe when I am feeling that way I will change my website pic to depict that.

Keep captaining that pirate ship, you never know, one pirate went around the world and became a "Sir." I will listen to you tomorrow on Duct Tape Marketing Broadcast.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Cindy Hartman — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:37:28 -0000

I thought you were talking directly to me, but it appears you've hit a well-visited nerve on many of us. The 'weather in my head' is quite profound ... I now have a descriptive name for these times. Thanks for sharing!

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Julie Roads — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:18:15 -0000

I get the blues too...can't even blame it on the seasons - they come and go. But I agree with you - it makes me stronger because I have to let myself feel it and then pull myself out...each time I do is a notch in my belt that let's me know I can do it, that I have reserves, deep down energy that I can call on when I really need it.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Ana Lorena Hart — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:11:28 -0000

I simply adore you. I love your humanity. I wish every boy -and grown man, too- out there could find in you a role model. Embracing the full range of feelings and states of mind as they come is the most precious gift humans can give to themselves. Thank you for sharing your gift with everyone.
Ana.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Debra Conrad — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:48:41 -0000

Chris - You Pirate!
You are already sailing the fastest - most powerful Pirate Sailing ship. What you have done and do everyday for the rest of us is powerful stuff... Thank You.
Argghhh - from one of your mate's...

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Daniel Broome — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:18:17 -0000

"the weather in my head,,,,,"
Without a doubt the best title for a rock album that I have heard in a long time.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Scott Smith — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:00:18 -0000

What a very simple and very cool way to describe what everybody goes through this time of year. I live and breath in the world at www.motivaitontomoe.com - and am always looking for a way to help folks "get it". The weather in your head... that's one I need to pass on to as many folks as possible. Just getting to know you Chris but I'm looking forward to that 2009 journey with you. Let me know if I can help.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

marshal sandler — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:00:03 -0000

Holidays merge the past and present to create a new beginning create a lot of stress !

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Alma Gray — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:51:55 -0000

I've dealt with depression for much of my life. I actually feel a bit of a boost emotionally during the holidays, it's after that I hit lows. I recently read this article and found it valuable. It definitely is you who is in control of your feelings...not just the season. It's much easier said than done, but only you can change your mindset.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Jamie Turner — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:35:51 -0000

I'm surprised by how many people on the comments list reference Seasonal Affective Disorder. My mother suffers from it and I get the blues during February in Atlanta.

I know "solutions" aren't what you're looking for, but it might be worth trying one of the light systems that you can buy that compensate for the low light levels people with SAD suffer from. It worked for my mother. It might be worth giving a try.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

juliewalraven — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:58:01 -0000

Chris, It is obvious that once again you have touched a topic that affects many of us. Living in Central Wisconsin, I have battled SAD for years. Even though I know what it is and use things like moving my office up to the sunniest room in the house and buying a full spectrum light, making sure I eat healthy foods and exercise, it still affects me.

It's harder to be creative in this time frame and everything that happens around me, I am even more sensitive about. I've been told that I am sensitive in general and I have fought that to get tougher and not let everything get to me but it is a battle.

I appreciate you sharing this with your Tribe as Cheryl says and you continue to be an inspiration to us when you share this kind of post with so many of us.

For me it will really help me focus and keep pushing along until spring finally comes...

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Maggie McGary — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:47:00 -0000

I second what @Rivster said, and think it's awesome you're taking advantage of your large number of followers to spread the word about depression, since most people suffer in silence.

SAD and clinical depression in general are very real, and the more people who share their stories and emphasize that it's NOT something that can be cured by positive thoughts or well-meaning friends telling you to just count your blessings and be happy, the better. Sure, for some people "winter blues" means feeling blah and down for a few months, but for others, winter blues is part of a very real disease--depression--and the idea that winter will soon be over is no consolation because it's all they can do to get through each hour of every day.

That said, it definitely makes the white-knuckle experience of battling depression easier when you know there are others out there who share your struggle, and I for one really appreciate and find comfort in this post.

Re: How the Seasonal Blues Work

Lynn Jericho — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:56:06 -0000

Our souls have a yearly cycle that follows the sun. Summer light takes us into the world and Winter darkness takes us into ourselves. Each of us reacts to this cycle in special ways and with special questions. Thanks for sharing your ways and your questions.
Should we really consider our unique ways and questions a disorder?
Yes, I often wish my soul was always sunny and filled with sweet declarations about the joys of life. Dwelling in darkness and struggling with questions is hard, often painful, but when I find a glimmer of light within, feel a gentle warmth and realize I found another truth about myself or the world, I celebrate an inner Christmas and the solstice rebirth of my inner sun.
You are so right about your Christmas question - how do I become a better person. I just gave a talk to the Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy on the therapeutic opportunities in Christmas. The two Christmas questions are "Am I worthy?" and "Am I resolved?" Have I been good enough? which asks us to review our past year with objective compassion. Is my will to be better strong and directed? which asks to find courage and devotion in our intentions for the coming year.
This will be the fifth year I have sent out a daily e-message to my subscribers around the world between December 25 and January 6 - inspiring an inner nativity and an inner epiphany. Inner Christmas is a path of personal development for people of all traditions, cultures and beliefs. You can join the list at www.innerchristmas.com
Chris, thanks for leading the way into the age of personal transparency.