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Other It might not be you...

Discussion in 'General' started by Boscoe, 17 Nov 2021.

  1. Boscoe

    Boscoe Electronics extraordinaire.

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    This is a bit of a nebulous post, I'm sorry if it's obvious or a bit too out there, but I learnt something in my life that could be of help to someone else.

    I moved to London when I was eighteen and lived there for 8 years. I had shitty jobs, went to a difficult uni and got my first proper jobs which (as an engineer) paid very well. In the last few years I lived there I had a very good life, on paper. For almost as long as I can remember (in my entire life) I wasn't very happy. It's hard to explain, I wasn't unhappy or depressed but I wasn't myself. I found maintaining good energy and self confidence very difficult. I was always low in energy, never wanted to exercise or put any effort into anything and had no interest in relationships romantic or otherwise.

    About two years ago I met my current girlfriend while in London who was only a few weeks away from moving back to her home city of Lisbon. We fell crazy in love and did long distance for about a year. Those weeks spent in Portugal dotted here and there we like heaven. But, again, I put it down to spending time with my GF.

    I moved to Lisbon about one year ago and ever since have been a different person; despite having much less income, income security and quality of housing. I love socialising, exercising etc. I can speak to people with confidence as my real self. I have tons of good energy a lot of the time. It looks like my relationship isn't going to work out which kinda made me think I wouldn't stay in Lisbon and the good vibes I had were there due to the relationship - no.

    As strange and as simple as it may sound, it's the weather that makes me feel good! I spent last week in the UK with my family (who I miss terribly) where I had a wonderful time and loved seeing them. But with about one day of terrible weather I slipped back into my old ways. I felt terrible, weak, no energy etc. I even started to dislike myself again.

    Now back in Lisbon with the sun shining consistently and a reasonable ~17C I felt great again, always riding high!

    Now, all those years spent in the UK I was constantly analysing myself asking why why why do I feel like this? I tried exercise, diet change, yoga etc. but nothing worked. As it turns out I had Seasonal Affective Disorder real bad. I recommend to everyone to keep in mind there will always be a stoned unturned in life that could help you - in whatever you are facing. Always keep your mind open to new ideas and never assume anything too quickly.
     
  2. andrew8200m

    andrew8200m Multimodder

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    Ah the good old SAD problem. I know people with this and experience it myself but not to the extent you do it seems. A string of bad crappy days and my mood lowers considerably. Nice to hear a positive to your otherwise slightly miserable post though!
     
  3. yuusou

    yuusou Multimodder

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    Americans call it "fall damage."
     
  4. The_Crapman

    The_Crapman World's worst stuntman. Lover of bit-tech

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    My sister had this when she moved to Sweden, because of the shorter days in winter. I'm sure the weather here explains why we're a nation of grumpy gits. Get some vitamin d in your life.
     
  5. LennyRhys

    LennyRhys Fan Fan

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    This is really encouraging to read. I also suffer with SAD and it can be really unpleasant, but there are ways to get round it. Some friends of mine would routinely go abroad over the Christmas hols to get more sunlight and longer days right in the middle of that "darkest" time of the year.

    As long as I get out into the sun during the day as often as I can, I find that I'm usually ok, but it is still a big blow finishing work at 5pm and being greeted with pitch black skies.
     
  6. SuperHans123

    SuperHans123 Multimodder

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    I am 'opposite' SAD as I like winter and dislike the heat and Summer, probably because of screaming kids, neighbours blaring shite music, flying ants, being hot sticky and uncomfortable, seafront being packed with 'garden shed' cyclists etc
    I like not being hot and going out either walking my dog or cycling in the cold/rain and 'beating' the elements.
     
    The_Crapman and Pete J like this.
  7. Boscoe

    Boscoe Electronics extraordinaire.

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    For sure! To clarify, I wasn't trying to tell everyone that if they aren't 100% happy they need more sun. It was more about encouraging people to not always blame themselves and keep themselves open to different options whatever they might be!
     
  8. creative

    creative 500rwhp

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    agreed.

    I moved back to australia 12 years ago and wish I had done it sooner. My quality of life here dwarfs the existance I had in the UK and I would recommend taking the leap of faith to anyone!
     
    Pete J likes this.

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