Weather blues

Hi Tommi, I"m sorry you're being affected by this. Even people not going through AD withdrawal can struggle more on cloudy/rainy days. Here is some information from AI that explains why: There are a few scientifically plausible reasons why cloudy/rainy days can affect some people more strongly — and why it may feel amplified during antidepressant tapering or after nervous system destabilization. One major factor is light exposure and circadian rhythm regulation. Sunlight strongly influences the brain’s internal clock through signals from the retina to the hypothalamus (especially the suprachiasmatic nucleus). Reduced sunlight can affect: * melatonin timing, * alertness, * energy, * mood regulation, * and serotonin signaling. That’s why even people without psychiatric histories often report lower mood and energy during dark winter months or prolonged cloudy weather. This is related to conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder. During antidepressant withdrawal or tapering, the nervous system may become more “reactive” or sensitive to normal environmental stressors. Researchers sometimes refer to this as central nervous system sensitization or altered homeostatic regulation. The brain is trying to recalibrate neurotransmitter systems after long-term adaptation to a drug, so things that previously felt minor — stress, caffeine, lack of sleep, hormonal shifts, weather changes — may produce a disproportionately strong effect. There are also other possible contributors: * Barometric pressure changes can influence headaches, fatigue, pain sensitivity, and autonomic symptoms in some people. * Less sunlight can reduce dopamine-related motivation and alertness. * Cloudy weather often changes routines and activity levels, which can subtly affect mood and anxiety. * Withdrawal itself can increase sensitivity in the autonomic nervous system, making emotional and physical responses feel more intense. Importantly, this does not necessarily mean permanent injury or damage. Human mood and energy have always been affected by light and seasons to some extent. The difference is that some people in withdrawal seem temporarily less resilient to these shifts while the nervous system stabilizes. Hope this information helps you to understand a bit about why you might be feeling this way. You're not alone!

Thank you so much Catina. I’m starting to realize the importance of morning light on cloudy/rainy days. It was never a big problem before my first medication switch although fall was often a bit of a struggle. I’m aware that part of this is psychological because when the sun comes out, my mood brightens. I’m working hard at getting morning light and not letting the cloudy/rainy days affect me but it’s proving to be challenging.

No I do not ever feel that. However I am affected by the lack of warmth and sunlight in the winter as well as positively right now by the abundance of warmth and sunlight in the summer.

Cloudy days affect me too. On sunny days I walk at sunrise. Those horizontal rays hitting my retina set my circadian clock and am mire alert in those days. I miss the Sun on overcast days. Yet if I still so my walk or at least go outside, I do feel more invigorated and positive.

"On sunny days I walk at sunrise. Those horizontal rays hitting my retina set my circadian clock and am mire alert in those days" — @Erik Peers

I've been trying to get sunlight first thing in the morning too. It's so important! 🌞