Happy Wednesday!
Today, I want to talk about something important which has affected me in the past and let you know how I dealt with it. Have you heard of SAD? Well, it stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder and many of us suffer from it.
SAD (fitting name, isn’t it?) is a type of depression that’s related to the change of seasons. SAD typically begins and ends at about the same time every year. Most people will begin to feel symptoms in the fall and it continues into the winter months. This disorder saps your energy, making you feel lethargic, irritable and moody among other things. What you may think of as “winter blues” could actually be Seasonal Affective Disorder and should be taken seriously because it can be treated.
SAD may be treated with light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and/or medications.
I’ve done all three.
Coming from a tropical country, it wasn’t easy dealing with the change of seasons and winter was always the most difficult for me. Year after year, I would get into this funk as soon as the time would change and it would become colder and darker early. I was so afraid of the nighttime because that’s when the sadness would come on and not to mention insomnia. I battled with insomnia for two years! So, I went to therapy and the first thing my therapist suggested was to walk towards the sun. So, I would get out of bed early and walk in the direction of the rising sun. At nights, I would sit in front of a lightbox like this one for about 30 minutes and all of this helped. Eventually, the sadness would go away, and after a few years, I was able to embrace fall and winter.
This is why I am a true sun lover. I’m my happiest when the sun is out. You will never catch me in a room with closed curtains. Well, unless it’s someone else’s house, then that would just be weird if I just got up and opened up their curtains. But, when I get up in the mornings, the first thing I do is draw the curtains. It drives me crazy when my husband sits in a room with closed curtains.
Light is good. Repeat after me, light is good.
Have you heard of SAD? How have you dealt with it?
I’ve always wanted to try a tulle skirt but I didn’t want to risk looking like a little girl. I was happy when I found this skirt on The Rose Wholesale website. I figured why not, it wouldn’t hurt to try something different. When I received the skirt and tried it on, it was a little tight in the waist but nothing I couldn’t work with. It has elastic in the back so I was able to stretch it and not feel like I was being split in half. The skirt has a nice flow to it and it has a pretty grey tone.
The top, also from Rose Wholesale is currently one of my favorites. The quality of the material is pretty sweet and I can tell that it will last for a long time. The collar, which unfortunately, you can’t see in the photos has the prettiest pearl details and the sleeves also have frill on the hem. It’s just an overall beautiful top and I’ve already worn it twice and get this, it’s only $16.08! What??? Oh yeah, and the skirt is currently on clearance for $8.22! The top is true to size but the skirt is one size (fits XS-M) which would work for someone who has a 24-26 waist. My waist is 27 so you see where I’m going with this.
Since I didn’t want to look like a little ballet princess, I dressed down the look with my Converse sneakers and it was the most comfortable look ever! Comfortable and chic.
What do you think of this look? Let me know in the comments below.
I’ve linked everything below so feel free to check them out.
Outfit Details
Blouse // Skirt // Shoes // Bag, sold out, similar here
*This post was sponsored by Rose Wholesale and Sammy Dress. As always, all opinions are my own.
So pretty!
My Jamaican queen! I didn’t know you were an islander until we met in person. It’s crazy how the weather can affect people like that. I’m glad to hear you’re doing better 🙂 Such a lovely outfit!
httpsss://stopdropandvogue.com/
Gail! Thank you for having the courage to talk about this. I really am so glad you spoke about your journey with SAD and I am so glad you’re doing better! And you look lovely as always my friend! xoxo
I didn’t know that existed, but it completely makes sense! It’s great that it’s treatable though- I wouldn’t have thought that walking toward the sun would be able to make a difference in any way, thats fascinating. I’m loving that skirt, and the casual vibe thrown in with the sneakers!
Emily
httpsss://darlingdearestblog.com
Ahhh! You look fabulous. I love how you mixed the tulle with the sneaks. So classic.
http://www.aglamlifestyle.com
Thanks babe and thanks for stopping by!
I love it and you look gorgeous! I don’t know how anyone could have SAD in a lavender tulle skirt looking so cute ??
Thanks babe! Thank God I don’t suffer from it anymore! Xoxo
I’m an islander too, but never knew about this condition. I can see how people can fall into a funk during the winter months, and while I don’t suffer from it, I’ve experienced days like that. Glad you are embracing the seasons and that you’re better. Love how you styled the skirt, and love the blouse!!
Xo~Anna http://www.pepperedinstyle.com
Thanks Anna. It’s amazing how the sun can have a positive effect on the body. The light box is such a great help too on cloudy days! Xx
I have heard of SAD and being from a tropical climate myself, I am all about sunshine. Everyone raves about fall, but I never experienced it and can’t imagine having months of cold weather. I can totally relate with you. Happy to hear that you have been able to find ways to create your own sunshine and modeling that classy and adorable outfit is one of them!
Thank you so much Nena. I need to move to warmer climate. Haha
I had never heard of SAD, growing up in Florida all my life, until I moved to Colorado and witnessed it firsthand. In Florida, Dec-Feb is cold enough for sweaters but for the most part, the sun is still out each day. In Colorado, it’s cold/gray/snowy October through April! I was so depressed, anxious and cranky most days. I haven’t tried light therapy but my dad advised finding reasons to appreciate the snow so that I’ll be grateful when it comes; the boyfriend and I are going to try skiing this year, and maybe a few other winter sports to maybe find something we can look forward to in the winters 🙂
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
Your dad gave you great advice but the light box helps a great deal when you just can’t find the motivation. I do enjoy the winters now, especially since having kids. I’ve found something to love and appreciate during all seasons and I don’t get into that funk anymore except when it just starts to get dark early – like the first week. That’s usually hard but then I get used to it and I’m good! Thanks for reading love and enjoy the weekend! Xoxo
This is SO HELPFUL, Gail. While I’m not originally from a tropical climate, my body totally thrives on the sun and warmth. I just put this light in my Amazon cart and crossing my fingers it gives me a boost of energy. Appreciate you being so open & honest about this. Oooh and I loveee this skirt! 🙂
xox,
Kristin