Rain

What is it about a dark, rainy day that messes with our emotions?  My grandson wrote that he's feeling some weird feelings and emotions today. I answered honestly, “Me, too!” 

Sometimes, when we have nothing to do, a peaceful rainy day can be nice; I like to read a good book on a day such as this. However, at other times, a dreary day can wreak havoc with our sense of well-being.

It’s a well-known medical fact that some people experience a serious mood change when faced with several consecutive dark days. They may sleep too much, have little energy and feel depressed. If these symptoms last a whole season, like all winter, it’s called SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. The cure for it is light therapy.

While I don’t believe that’s what my grandson and I are dealing with, it does sound similar. The only difference is – our gloomy mood usually lasts only one day. We  may feel terribly depressed one day and wake up the next morning feeling on top of the world, especially if the sun is shining. The key definitely seems to be sunshine.

I can’t help but wonder if suicide victims are affected by the weather. Someone very close to our family, who seemed to have everything to live for, was alone one rainy night, phoned her only sibling, discussed her unhappiness for a while and then put a gun to her head and pulled the trigger. She was forty-three years old. What a sad waste of life! A permanent solution to a temporary problem – suicide.

As I write this, the steady pitter-patter of raindrops on the skylight makes me feel relaxed and sleepy. My body cries out for rest. I don't want to give in, but know I should.

Perhaps I will awaken to a sunny day!