March Mania – Hypomania and Seasonal Affective Disorder – SAD

Posted on by

Yippee, Happy March! icon smile March Mania Hypomania and Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD   In the official Neens’ book, 1 March is the start of spring and a real milestone – it’s still light when I leave work around 5.30pm. icon biggrin March Mania Hypomania and Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD   I hope that the increase in daylight hours is starting to ease your Seasonal Affective Disorder – SAD – and Winter Blues symptoms, too.

424094 42244817chatter teeth 300x225 March Mania Hypomania and Seasonal Affective Disorder SADI met for a catch up with one of my friends the other night and he commented that I was especially chipper.  Translation: I was being a motor-mouth!  Anyone who has ever met me will know that I’m a real chatterbox generally; honestly, I am that person who’s chatting away to a complete stranger at a bus stop, on the train, in the gym…

But this week, we’ve had some fab sunny weather and I have been bouncing-off-the-walls, hyper!  You’d think I’d had several cups of strong coffee on some of the days.

I think most people would say they feel a sense of wellbeing when the sun shines.  But if you’re suddenly feeling a marked surge of energy, and you know that you suffer from SAD, then you might be experiencing what’s known as Hypomania.  I’m sure I get this; I’m like a little kid at Christmas listening for Santa, except that I’m running to the window to see how sunny it is and longing to be out in it!

At this time of year I’m easily excitable, full of plans and ready to take on the world.  That is, when the sun’s shining.

This morning, I woke up to really misty, murky weather and I felt flat.  It brightened up in the afternoon, and having used my light lamp, I was back to being Tigger!  I appreciate that to a non-sufferer, this might seem completely bizarre.  It’s a weird time of the year when you suffer from SAD.

I was reminded of something else, talking to my friend the other night.  Now is not the time to make big decisions.  Yep, you might feel like you can take on the world, but if you’re experiencing these swings that I’ve described, it’s worth waiting until they’ve settled down a bit before taking action.

I’m speaking from experience.  I’ve made big decisions in the past around this time of year that I wish I’d not made, or given a bit more thought to.  That burst of energy can bring about a bit of the no-nonsense, ‘let’s get on with it’, ‘I’m taking no prisoners’ kinda attitude.  Sound familiar?

1151807 46818568 To Do 300x201 March Mania Hypomania and Seasonal Affective Disorder SADMaking plans is great – it’s an ideal time for that, if you’re feeling fired up and motivated.  Why not grab your pen and paper and jot down some thoughts on what you want to do for the rest of the year? icon smile March Mania Hypomania and Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD   I’ve always thought January is a rubbish time of year to make resolutions and plans, anyway – so much better to do it once you’re feeling energised and ready to put them into action.

But if your thoughts are on life-changing decisions, such as quitting your job, ending a relationship, moving, etc., then maybe just hold fire on making a final decision until you’re feeling less gung-ho.

Does anything I’ve said ring true for you?  Or do you disagree?  Do you think that you experience Hypomania?

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

- Neens –   

Image credits:
Chatter Teeth: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/424094
To-Do: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1151807

Related posts:

  1. SAD and Winter Blues – Where to start?
  2. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder – SAD – and Winter Blues?
  3. Beat February symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder – SAD – and Winter Blues
  4. Why write or read a blog about Seasonal Affective Disorder – SAD?
  5. Welcome to The Light Room!
  6. February tease