the ugly side to the season

So, we've chatted about traditions, thankfulness, love and relationships. But what about the ugly side to the season? For some it's not all roses and sunshine. In fact, for some, winter brings sadness, loneliness, heartache, depression. There are thousands who suffer from October to April. It starts with the lack of sunshine, our moods shift. Soon getting out of bed seems like a major chore. Light Therapy? Vitamin supplements? Exercise? Meds to help with depression? What really works?

I tend to lean towards exercise. It lifts my mood, and gives me more energy. Things start to look less dismal. Until I twist my back and pull a muscle, like now. I've thrown myself right back into the depressing abyss with very little effort. Ever have that feeling that someone has a voodoo doll of you and they're sticking pins in you and giggling like a fool? That's about how I feel lately. Every single time I get a handle on my winter blues I get stuck with another pin and I'm looking around wishing I could smack the person wielding the damn pin!

But there's more to this time of year than winter blues. There's the thousands of people who are watching the cute, loving Christmas specials and wishing they had someone to share the holidays with. Wishing they had somewhere to go for New Years, other than their lonely living room. Whether because of divorce or death or simply not finding that special someone, there are several who dread this time of year because it means they have to watch everyone celebrate, laugh, exchange presents and simply be merry.

What's the one thing that can help save a lot of us from feeling alone, sad, depressed...miserable? The internet. It's true. I can't tell you how many times I've been thankful for my online friends. You all keep me company when I feel like crawling under the covers and staying there until April. You've made me laugh, pound my firsts, roll my eyes, and just generally feel ALIVE. It's been a blessing, it really has! To me you are all my saviors. When I'm shut up in my house for hours a day, no sound except for the t.v. and the dogs snoring, I open an email and smile, because I remember that I'm not alone. I'm sharing coffee with hundreds of people all over the world and I do it in my pajamas. How cool is that?

So, do you get down this time of year? How do you handle it? What's your remedy? C'mon, misery loves company after all! :)