Hi, Sophie: SAD during the summer is a real thing! I say that as a trained therapist and as someone who suffers from it. I say “suffer” because it really is quite unpleasant and weighty, isn’t it?
It took the psychology community awhile to acknowledge summer SAD but they finally came around 10-15 years ago.
I find my symptoms start to ease around August and I just keep looking forward to that day.
I always love reading these and your honesty, Sophie. I have had the experience of supporting someone full-time for a period and it really does a number on you. Obviously it's worth it for me to be there for that person, but I've learned over the years to also not take on that person's experience as my own, and to establish boundaries. Definitely depends on the situation (if it's just health related that's a different story), but I also have come to realize that they are on their own journey and I can't 'fix it', they have to do that themselves as hard as it is.
I also totally know what you mean about Instagram. I had this realization the other day that I've been mentally all over the place and 'confused' since getting home from our trip, and I think it's because I've spent so much scrolling since getting back. I thought it was just a way to decompress, but I've realized that I've taken on everyone else's dreams and thoughts and opinions and have lost my own. So definitely working on not being on there as much, but gosh it's hard! I see why social media gets addicting.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your heart in these posts.
It really does, doesn’t it?! I’ve been good these last few weeks at putting boundaries in place, although it hasn’t been easy, I’ve stuck with them and it’s made a big difference. Yes, you’re so right that we can’t fix them!
Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Are you still feeling out of sorts with Instagram, or have you managed to get back on track since your trip? It can be so easily addicting if we let it. Be kind to yourself lovely 🤍
Can't imagine how difficult it is not knowing what's next work wise, sending love to you and keeping everything crossed that the right thing comes up. I really relate to what you said around when you're not 100% yourself turning to mindlessly scrolling. I find that when my nervous system is activated or I'm feeling a little low that will be what I turn to, and wow does it make me feel worse x
I think there are defo a few people I work with who could use a VA come Oct. Will you email me claire@creativelyconscious.co.uk about it when you’re ready! Cx
Sophie I've been meaning to get back to you about your post about the job, I'm so sorry to hear that! The fear and anxiety is so all-consuming in those moments. Hope you're ok. Reach out if you need a zoom coffee ❤
That’s incredibly kind of you, Tamzin! I have periods where I’m fine and focused, and then I remember and I panic. It’s really spoiling my maternity leave. It’s the uncertainty that is the scariest.
That’d be lovely! A group zoom with a few other members of the slow living community would be wonderful, too! 🤍
Hi, Sophie: SAD during the summer is a real thing! I say that as a trained therapist and as someone who suffers from it. I say “suffer” because it really is quite unpleasant and weighty, isn’t it?
It took the psychology community awhile to acknowledge summer SAD but they finally came around 10-15 years ago.
I find my symptoms start to ease around August and I just keep looking forward to that day.
Ah, Kim, I’m so pleased you’ve said that! It really is awful at times, especially with the intense migraines 🤯. Do you have similar symptoms?
I’m the same! Those first few autumn days are like a weight, or a fog, has been lifted. I can’t wait for that feeling again! 😅
I get really bad headaches, feel nauseous, have no energy and get a foggy brain. I’m counting down until Autumn myself. That’s when I feel my best. ❤️
I have those same symptoms too. It’s really quite awful at times! 😔
Agreed :( Hugs.
I always love reading these and your honesty, Sophie. I have had the experience of supporting someone full-time for a period and it really does a number on you. Obviously it's worth it for me to be there for that person, but I've learned over the years to also not take on that person's experience as my own, and to establish boundaries. Definitely depends on the situation (if it's just health related that's a different story), but I also have come to realize that they are on their own journey and I can't 'fix it', they have to do that themselves as hard as it is.
I also totally know what you mean about Instagram. I had this realization the other day that I've been mentally all over the place and 'confused' since getting home from our trip, and I think it's because I've spent so much scrolling since getting back. I thought it was just a way to decompress, but I've realized that I've taken on everyone else's dreams and thoughts and opinions and have lost my own. So definitely working on not being on there as much, but gosh it's hard! I see why social media gets addicting.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your heart in these posts.
Thank you for reading, Hunter!
It really does, doesn’t it?! I’ve been good these last few weeks at putting boundaries in place, although it hasn’t been easy, I’ve stuck with them and it’s made a big difference. Yes, you’re so right that we can’t fix them!
Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Are you still feeling out of sorts with Instagram, or have you managed to get back on track since your trip? It can be so easily addicting if we let it. Be kind to yourself lovely 🤍
Can't imagine how difficult it is not knowing what's next work wise, sending love to you and keeping everything crossed that the right thing comes up. I really relate to what you said around when you're not 100% yourself turning to mindlessly scrolling. I find that when my nervous system is activated or I'm feeling a little low that will be what I turn to, and wow does it make me feel worse x
Thank you, Jodie! Me too 🤞🏻
Yes! Why do we do that when it makes us feel so much worse? 🤔😅
I think there are defo a few people I work with who could use a VA come Oct. Will you email me claire@creativelyconscious.co.uk about it when you’re ready! Cx
That’d be amazing if you could put me in touch, Claire! Thank you for your continued support. I’ll email you 🥰
Sophie I've been meaning to get back to you about your post about the job, I'm so sorry to hear that! The fear and anxiety is so all-consuming in those moments. Hope you're ok. Reach out if you need a zoom coffee ❤
That’s incredibly kind of you, Tamzin! I have periods where I’m fine and focused, and then I remember and I panic. It’s really spoiling my maternity leave. It’s the uncertainty that is the scariest.
That’d be lovely! A group zoom with a few other members of the slow living community would be wonderful, too! 🤍
I love this, Sophie. I especially love your honesty. Thank you so much for sharing. x
Thank you, Becky! And I’ve just seen you’ve become a paid subscriber, thank you so much! 😭 That honestly means the world to me 🤍
My pleasure 🖤