November Chill

It's dark and cold and for the majority of us this means glum faces, thick jumpers, and icy windscreens; but for the unlucky ones who struggle with low mood, this can really affect us.
When you're permanently signed off work as I am, getting up and out of bed is a challenge most days.  You find yourself asking: What are you getting up for? What purpose is there? I have to remind myself that the purpose is I never want to be like those grandparents Charlie Bucket had that just one day never again left the bed. I force myself to engage in things, I tell myself to write, to read, to go out my house. Some days, even on the most glorious of days, I still don't manage.It's okay, you have to pick your battles.
Unfortunately when the house is cold, and the outside is cold, and it's dark and windy and rainy, my mood dips even further. I am always more tired, more irritable, and more prone to hibernation and missed appointments when the weather is cold; it's just that much harder to stay focused and to ignore my anxiety. It's of course easy for someone to read this and go 'well so what, I struggle too but I don't have the choice' and they would be right except it isn't a 'I can't be bothered' reaction but a 'I really don't think I can do this' situation. 
I've said it before and will say it a thousand times, mental illness affects way more than emotions and mood. It can display as: stomach cramps, nausea, headaches/migraines, and many other physical issues like severe joint ache and all-over fatigue. So when the vitamin D is lacking, those with more sensitivity to chemical changes will struggle more than ever. 
My birthday is in two weeks and I'm trying to focus on how glittery my outfit is and ignore how cold it is going to be. I bought a tiara and it's sparking on my shelf reminding me that whilst I may not have blue blood; I'm 100% Queen of my life.
My advice is to keep warm, focus on things you love, wear layers and have a few favourite cosy jumpers and other items you feel safe in. Make teas and hot chocolates and get crafty; find things to do in the home so when you do have to go out, it's only for the important stuff and it may seem less daunting. Keep busy where you can and remember that it's okay to have a duvet day, and most importantly; it's okay not to be okay.