MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024 DOLDRUMS

In history classes (and maybe even literature), I learned about “doldrums.”  

The internet defines the doldrums as “an equatorial region of the Atlantic Ocean with calms, sudden storms, and light, unpredictable winds.”  The doldrums aren’t a problem with modern ships, but with ships that only move when wind pushes against the sails, the doldrums could be deadly. 

Maybe it was “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.  The seamen are in the vast ocean - with no wind, at the whim of the ocean - but not really going anywhere. 

Another definition is a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or depression.

Maybe I can use the term “inertia.”

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I was in the doldrums last Monday (Martin Luther King, Jr day).  It was cold (for Texas) - below freezing.  Some businesses were closed.  The public library was closed; the Georgetown Recreation Center was closed; my bank was closed (I had a little retirement check to deposit), and I didn’t want to leave my apartment.  (BRRR)

For that day, I mostly sat in my recliner - playing computer games on my phone.  (Okay, I allow myself some time to play games - but not twelve hours!!)

Inertia and depression.  On that day, life was not worth living.  (C’mon Karen - life is always worth living - you must have been in a dark place.)

So, I sat and did nothing on Monday, January 15, 2024. I didn’t even enjoy the day.  It was a “blah day”.

*****’

That day really hit me.  Do I have value in the world?  What value do I have?  Does anyone care?  

I love life, I recognize the depression thoughts don’t come from me - but when I’m tired and down they can debiliate me.  

Thus, I have to keep busy to fight off the blues.  I think many of us have SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder. 

Johns Hopkins Medical defines SAD as:

What is seasonal affective disorder? Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year—most often fall or winter. It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may trigger a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression.

Some suggested remedies include:  (From 

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/

Sunlight

Spending time outside or near a window can help relieve symptoms.. This is called light therapy, and it can be done with a special lamp called a light box.

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Lifestyle measures

These include getting as much natural sunlight as possible, exercising regularly, and managing your stress levels.
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Talk therapies

These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or counseling.

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Antidepressants

There are many antidepressants on the market.  I take Sertraline (which is a form of Zuloft)

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For me, I “know” I get to get going.  That particular day was cold (by Texas Standards - it was almost okay by South Dakota Standards!!!).  Yes, the community recreation center was closed for Martin Luther King Day - but my apartment complex has a small exercise room with two treadmills, two elliptical machines, two exercise bikes, and various weights.  

I remember thinking - just want across “campus” and go to the exercise room, and thinking, “It’s too cold to walk over to the exercise room.”  

*****

So, I sat and wasted a day.  I didn’t even write a blog that day.  I just “existed”.  

But, by Thursday last week, we had a high temperature of 75 degrees - life was good again!!!

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

KEEP ACTIVE TO HELP OVERCOME DEPRESSION 

Karen Anne White, January 22, 2024