Definitely depression can occur during the menopausal years, and sometimes persist in the senior years as well. If you just feel mildly depressed, I'd continue with some of the things you're already doing (light therapy, getting out with friends, etc.) but if you begin to feel blue more often than not, I'd see your doctor. Some people feel very much better, on just the lowest dose of an anti-depressant. My sister has been on a very low dose for 15 years, but finds she returns to chronic mild depression when she goes off her low dose. Her doctor says she's fine her low dose forever, as it rids her melancholy and gives her no side effects. However, many women do go on anti-depressants during menopause, then go off them a few years into post menopause, and have no returning depression.

Karen Rose... yes, the interior looks depressing. The only thing that looks bright and inviting is your outdoor space. It doesn’t mean it’s ugly. I just find it oppressive and sad. I also I have painted some of my rooms gray since moving into a different house last year. The only space I don’t hate is my great room area which actually is so light gray it is almost silvery white. It definitely is bright but not warm. I’m leaving it for now, because I think once I have a wood floor down it will balance nicely along with tan and cream furniture and white trim. However, I cannot wait to repaint my bedroom which I thought would look peaceful and relaxing. I have pretty cream/ gray/ light tan bedding and cream curtains. I thought the gray would be a pretty backdrop. It is as far as color scheme, but I cannot stand waking up to sad looking walls. Gray IS depressing...I don’t care what anyone says. If you are of the majority of people who like a sunny clear day, not a rainy day... gray walls definitely drag you down. if you’re happiest when it’s rainy outside, you should try gray walls. I bet you’ll love them.

Glad you were able to figure out what was making you feel bad and get it fixed.

Congrats on the new house! If you haven’t already, do a search for ’warm white paint colors’. So many great articles pop up. Narrow it down to the ones you like, do more searches of the chosen ones for inspiration, then get some test samples to try. If you want more of a color than ivory/etc, same process. Seeing inspiration rooms is a good starting point, but ultimately you’ll have to test them in the rooms.