Is it easier to be depressed at night? Is it harder to be optimistic when surrounded by darkness? Or is it because all the distractions of the day can no longer be used as a buffer?
Is it easier to be depressed at night? Is it harder to be optimistic when surrounded by darkness? Or is it because all the distractions of the day can no longer be used as a buffer?
For me, it's basically all of the above. I find it easier to sift through my emotions when alone and when it's dark because there are no distractions to hinder whatever mood it is that I'm in. More often than not, I get into these self-pity moods which is identifiable with depression, and I find that it is most pronounced at night. I think it pretty much has to do with the solitude that allows for more inwardly-directed thoughts to be made less ambiguous and therefore easier to take into account.
I've never understood the association people have with darkness and sadness and whatnot, they seem unrelated to me and always have.
Have you heard of the "winter blues"? Studies have found that sunlight is a huge determinent of mood, so there is all possibilty that nighttime could be more likely to promote depression. I'd say it has more to do with our reaction to light than anything else.
Personally, winter does seem to have a bit of an affect upon me because the nights are so long and dark. I wouldn't classify it as depressed though, it's more along the lines of morose. Summer is by far my favourite season of the year, there is definitely something comforting in looking up to a clear blue sky.
I've never understood the association people have with darkness and sadness and whatnot, they seem unrelated to me and always have.
It's not day/night for me so much as it is sunny/grey. Gloomy days are the absolute worst, and new england is notorious for crappy days. I gotta move to california one day to revel in the sun
In winter I alter my work schedule so that, when leaving the office for the day, so I can get home (or to my evening activities) while the sun is still shining. Does wonders for me. The leave-in-the-dark, get-home-in-the-dark stuff just ain't right!!!I do light therapy at home in the winter
I always feel better at night, always have.
Very much agree. Same with the rain and overcast weather.
I love all of that stuff, that some people consider gloomy.