Hey Guys, Lately I've been feeling depressed, which is normal because I typically have SAD around this time. However, I have not felt this depressed since my time in middle school, when I was very quiet and introverted because of things like being picked on or having a lack of friends. Yet, for some reason, I sometimes feel more comfortable being depressed. It seems to take energy and work in order for me to be in a good mood, though now I am able to socialize without people knowing I am depressed. It is not like this constantly, but it does tend to happen during this time of year. I have noticed that in the last few months I have been very outgoing and extroverted, much more than usual. I am introverted, however, and I wonder if this pattern of extroverted behavior, in any way, has exhausted me. I have not been able to be alone for a while. I share a room, have five other roommates, and have to deal with classes of 200+ people on average. I used to make trips to places outdoors or to the campus arboretum on my own at least weekly, but I have not done that in a few months. These were places in which I was alone for extended periods of time, and I used the time to think or reflect on things. I spent at least 8 hours in the campus arboretum the day I came out to my sisters and roommates, and it helped me a lot. Anyways, I was wondering whether or not something as simple as alone time would help me get over this hump. Ironically, as I've been dealing with many dark thoughts(non-suicidal) I also feel as though I have no completely true friends, or close friends. My friends are supportive and great, but I have no one I can talk to about virtually everything. The closest thing to such a friend is an old HS friend who I haven't even come out to yet. Any thoughts or advice are appreciated
I'll start off by saying that I am also an introvert. When I shared a room in college and was constantly in big rooms full of people, I went crazy. It was like I could never recharge for my next social gathering whether it be class or friends or even just going to eat dinner in the dining hall. Maybe try taking some vitamin d (which helps me during winter with depression from lack of sunlight) and regularly find a place to be alone and just recharge. That's what always helps me, even if it's just for a little bit each day. It allows me to be better for myself and everyone around me.
Thanks, that sounds like a good idea. With midterm stress coming up, I'll probably go out on my own for a bit to recharge and not get overwhelm because of everything else going.
Another SAD-afflicted introvert here. I'm going to second the vitamin D suggestion - it does wonders for me. Getting regular exercise also helps a lot. Maybe you could try some kind of solitary activity, like jogging (although that may not be feasible in the winter). I find that going to the gym can help even though there are people around, because I can put my headphones on and do my own thing. It really helps me to recharge and feel ready to take on social situations.
