Does anyone else find January depressing? vent

I have struggled the past few Januarys, and it's affecting my ability to get through January 2016. Two years ago I started a very very bad, months-long depression in January...and last year my father was diagnosed with a brain tumor and my best friend's son committed suicide, two days apart--in January. So this January I am feeling really fragile and anxious.

In addition to paying attention to my mental health this time of year, I know that I really need to get my physical health better under control, too, and I am really struggling with that. I eat for comfort, unfortunately, and I am really feeling the need for comfort right now. But I am also anxious about where my bad health habits are going to lead and I know I need to take better care of myself.

Then throw in the fact that my husband starts an extremely demanding, time-intensive volunteer project every January (high school robotics) and so he's not around much to help boost me up. And although we live in a temperate climate, January is still chilly and often gray here.

So yes, I understand that January is hard, and the resolutions we make sometimes just lead to MORE anxiety rather than giving us a feeling of control. I hope that the changes you're making will lead to a renewed feeling of healthiness, and that that will make you feel more like it's all worthwhile.

January would be the worst if not for February which IMO is often worse just because it's been cold and dark even longer. Thankfully this year the weather hasn't been very bad at all. I really hope it continues in this pattern. Especially after the last two winters here in MI!

Sorry to all struggling!

Yeah I hate January typically. It is my birthday in January and it is always a disappointment. Anniversary of my dad's passing is in January too.

I always seem to feel blue too because I look forward to Christmas and then it's over.

I also feel down because of stuff I didn't accomplish last year and the thought of getting that and new things done this year.

This January is particularly rough hubby's GM is in acute care and is dying. Went and saw her the other day and it was rough to see such a vital person so ill and at peace with leaving.

I just had a visit from my estranged son he brought over his newborn son should be a happy time but it was very strained and harsh feelings/ words were said. Sad to think how f**ked up my relationship is with my kids I feel like an utter failure as a mom most days.

Youngest son did something incomprehensible right before Christmas and still dealing with that.

All in all I just want to sleep thru January. I really really hope February is better but I don't hold up much hope sigh.

I'm going on a visit to my dad in a couple of days...so I have lots of free time this january..my work just reduced hours (not upset)...so will try to get something done.

I really can't complain about the weather, it's been very mild for winter. But I still hate the darkness in the early evening, and I always feel a bit of a letdown after all the Christmas stuff is put away.

Also bummed because I have to stop eating like a crazy person and get back into my health food and exercise routine.

Hugs to all of you who are suffering during this dreary time of year. Maybe a good book and a cup of good tea or coffee would pick up your spirits a bit.

I also can struggle in January and February. I try to approach these 2 months with a positive attitude, but it's not always easy. The winter months are crazy busy at work and I often go to work and head home in the dark. I think the colder temps and less sunshine are what take a toll on me.

So far, day 7, this month isn't too bad for me. Trying to stay optimistic here and wishing all of you the best too.

In January, my birth month,I try to take it easy. I concentrate more on consciously moving my body for 30 minutes each day versus exercising. I find comfort in the cold weather when wearing my Ugg boots, those fuzzy socks and gloves that you can find everywhere, and my daughter's blanket scarf that she barely uses. Fleece jackets/hoodies can be warm and cozy to wear during the day and the soft plush fleece pajamas and robes are nice on cold nights. I have some Lush bubble bars and bombs that have me looking forward to soaking in the tub. I try to drink plenty of water and enjoy drinking hot drinks, soups and salads and snack on a few nuts. I have a few little projects to tackle and plan to do a little bit at a time. Hope that you can find something to enjoy in January soon.

Winter is difficult all around. I feel like the glass is always half empty. If you complain there isn't much light and someone replies "oh but in 3 weeks the days will start getting longer!" All I can think is "but it will be 6 weeks until we are back to today's amount of light and this sucks!" I'm doing alright so far this winter. We've had it quite mild and almost no snow, which is unheard of. Lots of foggy days (unusual) which bring thick gorgeous hoar frost. Typically we have lots of sunshine, even with frigid temperatures so that really helps the mood.

Some years I find the spring months worse. March, April and even May are so depressing. Now that I can see what is going on in the world at there are flowers in bloom, trees leafing out, grass is green it's so depressing that it's no even close to that here. May is when the grass and leaves start to turn green. Still getting hard frost at night.

Me! I hate it. Boring, cold (well, for CA), and gray. I've been fighting that "down" feeling the past week or so.

Lots of people get down in January.

I guess I am lucky. Both my parents and my birthdays are in January, so I am good with it.

Good thoughts for everyone having a difficult January. My heart hurts for my granddaughter who is having a rough time..hasn't heard from her college of choice yet, backed into the side of her dad's car doing a lot of damage, boyfriend of 1 year turned out to be secretly asking and receiving nude pictures of other girls. Rumor has it that he sent a few of his own..gross!

This January seems to be wearing on me already.

I just have too much on my plate, and no way to delegate any of it. I feel completely overwhelmed, and I feel like I have to take it day by day, hour by hour.

Yes! It starts in the fall for me too. In all Jan and Feb are the ones that get me the most. Cold MN weather is horrible. I look forward to March. Just because I know we are at the tail end and I can deal with it. If I lived in a warmer climate Jan would be nothing for me!