Dan,
I read your article with interest. I wonder if the onset timing is later in the South for SAD? Cloudy days have a similar impact for me. Sleep has always been an issue and is a good indicator of a potential valley. We have experienced almost two weeks of rainy, cloudy weather (spinoff of tropical storms), however the last two days have been gorgeous. I've slipped into a wierd every other day sleeping pattern for now.
I admire your ability to put yourself out there and express your vulernability. That is still very difficult for me. I have a history of being the strong one in our family. In fact, that's the meaning of my name. I am working on this issue , as incongruent as it is with my self concept. I remind myself frequently that accepting an offer of help or asking for help is a gift not only for me, but one that someone else is wanting to share.
Today has been a productive and frustrating day. I still am not great at predicting the amount of time tasks will take. I left home around nine this morning to run errands that I put off while it has been so rainy. I didn't arrive back home until after 4PM. Errands accomplished. I am acutely aware that I make a mental note of how I could have completed these same errands in three hours or less in my former life. I believe this struggle will lessen over time and with practice, reminding myself that this is now and the past was then.
Does anyone else have difficulty fitting unpredictability of body cooperation into a society that is so time driven? Time constraints create stress for me regardless of how much advanced preparation I have made. Frustration awakens a conflict between unpredictability and deciding what to do with the rest of my life.
Time will tell...
