Tag: Seasons

Bipolar and Seasonal Disorder

Bipolar and Seasonal Disorder

The sun sets so early now. At 5:30pm, the sunset begins. The days are getting shorter and shorter. It makes me feel as if I don’t want to do much of anything; I would rather sit around and fall asleep on the couch than do anything else. Activities are more difficult now.

Some people who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder also struggle with seasonal affective disorder or seasonal pattern. Basically, this happens during the winter when there is less light (the sunsets much earlier) and the weather changes. Individuals are more likely to go through depressive episodes during the winter.

Changing Weather

Changing Weather

It’s November and the weather is finally cool enough that I can take out some long-sleeved shirts and sweaters (I live in Peoria, AZ, right by Phoenix). The high temperature is around 85 degrees and the low is in the 50’s. This means I have to go through my closet, put away my tank tops and most of my t-shirts, and take my warmer clothes out. Especially since I’m traveling to Connecticut in less than 3 weeks; I’ll definitely need warm clothes for that. I’ve gained weight, so I hope some of my winter clothes still fit.

I like the winter weather here in Arizona, but I do miss the snow that you get back east. During the Phoenix, AZ summer, there’s almost nothing you can do. I can’t even walk my dog until 9pm because his feet would burn on the sidewalk. I’m not a fan of the hot weather, I don’t think most people like it. But this is the best time to be in Arizona. You can do just about anything you want to, indoors or outdoors.

I know that the time changed recently for everyone else (Arizona doesn’t change times because we already get enough sun). It’s confusing, but you get used to it. I hope that I take advantage of the weather and do more outdoor activities than I normally do. I could do things as simple as grilling outdoors, or walking the dog more often. We’ll see what happens.