Saturday, February 14, 2009

The Effects of Hibernation on the Human Psyche

I really need to apologize to all my friends. I've been away for two weeks and I don't really know how to explain to you where I've been. The only way to say it is I've been in hibernation. I'm not sure how it happens, just that it happens around the time the Groundhogs start making their way into the news. Something happens to me. I know that it is seasonal, but it's not depression. I'm so very rarely depressed that I'm sure there's something abnormal in that, as well. I feel the need to burrow down into blankets and sleep. It's something I try to fight, but in the end, I just give into it and let the bear in me take over. I can feel the deep chill of winter and the only cure is a warm quilt and plenty of sleep. It's as though my energy is sapped and I can barely put one foot in front of the other. I've walked in here and looked at the computer and my mind just locks down. I want to sit down at the keyboard and write my heart out but my heart is not in it. But it's nearly over. I know that the hibernation period is about to break and I will be so glad when it's behind me. It's something I've dealt with for years. No one has an explanation, no doctor knows the cause. But I left my burrow today and looked out over the landscape. I didn't see my shadow, so I know it won't be long before I'll be happy to be among the living again. And visiting my friends will be first on the agenda.

45 comments:

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Happy Valentine's Day to you!!! I have missed you and I do understand. I sometimes have to have what I call down time. May last a day or lots longer. I will pray for you to feel better soon.....Love you Girl...Mary

Denise said...

Oh seems the older I get the longer my hibernation ! The past two weeks all I ant to do is sleep and watch TV...... I am not a TV person but I do love to sleep....... Seems that inspiration is lacking..... but I did walk out into my back yard yesterday and surveyed my domain........ I am ready for spring.. Welcome back

Terri Steffes said...

I think that is what I will do tomorrow, hibernate! We miss you but hey, when you come back you'll come back strong!@

Nancy said...

I love that music. And from a human development point of view, you are probably very much in touch with a primal part of yourself. Just go with it.. I am having a really hard time getting going on an exercise program - maybe that is my version of the same thing.

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Good to see you Sandi - take your time - but I have missed you. Hope you're feeling back on par very soon. A x

i beati said...

Must have eaten and stored up a lot of food during that time hahaahah

Maggie May said...

Well my bedroom (where the computer is) is SO cold that I have to be on fire to write or else I would turn into a snowman.LOL.
I never feel quite as interested as I do in the warmer weather.
Hibernation sounds quite attractive.

Glad you have woken from yours!

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

It must just be your system's way of gearing up for the rest of the year. It's hard work keeping up with a blog and reading so many other's as well as juggling life - your brain clearly decides that you need a wee break! Snuggle up and enjoy the break if you can - we'll be hanging around waiting for your next missive!

Jeni said...

I can relate completely. Sometimes ALL I want to do is sleep! Sometimes, during the winter months, I have no desire to go out unless it is an absolute necessity. Recently went three weeks where the only times I went outside was either to put Maya on the van or get her off the van when she came home from school -or to go on a hunt in the yard and parking area for the evening newspaper. Sometimes I think I may be a touch on the bipolar side as I tend to come and go in a series of highs and lows, of interests in something that peaks, then wanes, may peak again or something else may take over the high interest slot for a while. But during the winter months, my high interest seems to be just staying inside, sitting!
Glad to hear you're nearing the resurfacing point now and will be looking forward to reading your stuff again, soon!

Mickle in NZ said...

No need for apologies. Hibernation sounds like a very apt description for how you have been feeling.

Think of it as recharging your personal batteries, giving your body and mind a rest from all the loving support and encouragement you so kindly offer to others, like me. As giving your own self a break and some support.

Sending much care, love and warm huggles, Michelle.

(I'd send greetings from Zebby only the cat-lad is sound asleep without any snoring)

Carol Murdock said...

Sandi....sounds like you just need a break this time every year. I do the same thing around August.

Anonymous said...

Don't need to apologise, we miss you but we can wait.

Deb said...

Hi ~ I have been there, done that! And I know you were there for me, convincing me to come out from under the covers! You have been missed by all! Sending you warm wishes, energy and virtual chocolate! Take care!

Country Cottage Chic said...

It's the weather - it brings out the polar bear in us!

Vee said...

Delighted to see you today, Mrs. Bear and look forward to your participation in Blogdom once this season is past. I think that I can relate, but wouldn't dare to frighten the carpenter so don't give in. I suppose that Mac is completely aware of this phase. Sleep well, rest easy, we'll be waiting. Hugs...

Daryl said...

Welcome back .. sometimes you just need to step back away from the computer...

CatHerder said...

Glad you are back...i tend to hibernate as soon as the clocks are changed....im counting the days down till we switch them back..i cant wait till spring

Janice said...

I just wish I had some time to hibernate!!! I am so ready for spring as I am sick of cold, dreary weather.

Jeanne said...

this time of hear calls out for hibernating. the rush of the holidays over and no signs of spring yet. glad to see you back.

imbeingheldhostage said...

well we'll be here when your spring returns --cracking myself up with the word play--

I used to hibernate after finals week in college. I could literally sleep for days without getting up to eat, go to the toilet, nothing. It used to scare my mom, but apparently my body just needed to shut down occasionally.

Hope to see you soon!

larkswing said...

ahhh, as I stayed in bed until 10:30 today, I understand. All movement has been forced for over a week now!

Glad you are up and moving!

Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sandi, I did check in on you the other day and you were just sleeping away so I let you be. Sounds like a good thing to me! Just resting from all the hustle and bustle of the holidays and resting getting ready for the Spring planting. :) Lynn

Candy said...

Shhhh,whisper,looking forward to your return. Just found you and want to thank you for the good ol' belly laugh. The last line in your profile is an absolute hoot!
Warm comfy quilts ARE great, Candy

DogLover said...

Hibernation. I think that sort of thing happens to a lot of people.

If one just accepts it, as you do, then it's fine. Isn't it just your mind or your body looking after you? It senses that you've been doing too much or something and quietly closes you down!

Nice to have you back, anyway!

Merisi said...

Sandi,
I am so happy that you feel like you are soon done with hibernating! More daylight and sunshine should help.
It could be a form of Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (from Wikipedia: : also known as winter depression or winter blues, is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or, less frequently, in the summer,[1] repeatedly, year after year. The US National Library of Medicine notes that "some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up."[2] The condition in the summer is often referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, and can also include heightened anxiety.[3]).

I for one cannot wait until Spring arrives. I hope it does soon to your part of the world! Hugs! :-)

Akelamalu said...

Spring's on the way, you'll soon feel better hopefully. x

Cath said...

I know the feeling - really I do. I fight it every year and I don't know if it's S.A.D. or what but I want to hibernate each year. I just wish I could!!!

Anyway, it will do you no harm and it is good to see you back.

RiverPoet said...

I'm glad you're okay. Enjoy hibernating. Nothing wrong with that at all!

Peace - D

Thom - - Dr. John said...

My dear friend, No explanation or apology is needed. Just glad to know you are doing well and the seasonal funk is subsiding.

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

I've heard that seasonal funk is serious stuff. Here, I was out in the sun today. It was a little cool but sunny nonetheless.

If I had to put up with the weather my daughter faces in Nebraska, I don't know how I'd do it.

Do sunlamps help? Or have they been outlawed? :-)

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

I understand those feelings. I tend to hibernate too, especially right now.
Thank you Sandi for the comments you have left..
love Nita

P.s I am having a give-a-way please stop by..

DogLover said...

A question - do you get the hibernation impulse at this time of the year each year (as Merisi speculates) or does it come at different times?

cheshire wife said...

Hope that you will soon emerge from yuor hibernation with your batteries recharged.

Lee said...

Hi Sandi! Welcome back to the land of the wide awake. Go ahead and stoke up on all that sleep. It's good for that psyche and we can't stay sane for long without its benefits.

Hugs!
Lee

Hilary said...

No need to apologize for looking after yourself. We're a patient lot. :) Sleep is a healer for most of which ails you. I'm glad you're feeling better.

Anonymous said...

Blessings Ms Polar Bear, I'm right there with you. I've learned to actually enjoy this time of hibernation every year. It's 'me' time. A time to just 'be', rather than 'do'. I know it's necessary on many levels and just go with it, making sure to surface for the absolute 'have-to's'. As long as you can make yourself shower and keep your space relatively clean and food about - you will surface triumphantly and expectantly in the spring when life begins anew. Love your posts and your spirit.
Moonie Bear

Alison said...

I've been feeling the same way. If sleep is what you need, then don't deny yourself!

Love Bears All Things said...

Hey, I know how you feel. Just go with it. Welcome back!
Mama Bear

Unknown said...

Welcome back! I was wondering where you had gone. I am not a fan of winter and need sunshine and warmth as I get older. Hope you are doing well and feeling you old self.

SandyCarlson said...

Been, been, been, there, Sandi! Sometimes we need a rest and we will have it whether we want to or not!

You're worth the wait.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on winning the coveted Davids this morning! Your story deserved it.

Unknown said...

Hi Sandi :) I hear ya... I get that way A LOT! Glad you are back though... I just need to upload the pics of baby girl in her valentine finest :)

tlchang said...

If a couple of weeks of needing to sleep and 'hibernate' are the extent of your symptoms, I wouldn't fight it or feel the need to apologize. Sometimes we all need a bit more R&R time to cope with the change of seasons, stress or whatever. Good for you for taking care of yourself.

betty-NZ said...

I know what you mean. I just don't function if I'm the least bit cold!

Beth P. said...

New to your very cool blog!
Never could understand why we think we're different from other animals, especially mammals--all of which spend more time sleeping, dreaming, in winter. It's as natural as feeling joyful in springtime!

Thanks for following your body...