Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Replies

  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    I don't know if I would be clinicly diagnosed with having SAD, but after reading up on it. I'm pretty sure I'm close. I'm usually good till that first week after New Years. The Holiday socializing is over and then it's dark and cold; and it seems like we're a long way from it getting any better. Almost a hopeless feeling. I start worrying about that 6-8 week stretch during the winter so much I have a hard time enjoying the fall because I know it's coming. I'm so myopic during this time of year I will time the sunset with my watch, and cheer even the slightest gain in daylight. This is inaddition to checking sunrise/sunset tables every few weeks. This lasts until late Feburary or Early March. By that time of the year there's a little daylight left when I get home from work. We get some warmer days, although, like last year; winter always has something left up her sleave until May.

    Like others have said. Line-up some fitness goals and work toward them. I have a trail race I need to get ready for in Mid-Feburary, so that will take most of my energy. After that there's an adventure race in April. All this is on top of the other community, kids, and social activities we have going on.

    Don't know if my case is severe enough to get the light. But I may look into some Vit D pills during this upcoming season and see if that helps more than my usuall plan for those "Dark Days"

    Definitely sounds like it hits you even if you haven't been diagnosed. I used to use indoor tanning, but a light box will be cheaper in the long run. Going to try the Vitamin D this year.
  • Chain_Ring
    Chain_Ring Posts: 753 Member
    AKA known as "Winter Sucks and I Miss The Sun"

    ha ha
  • Synchronicity
    Synchronicity Posts: 82 Member
    Light therapy has been a big help for me too.
  • nena49659
    nena49659 Posts: 260 Member
    Fluorescent lighting helped me. Last year, having a job that I love helped tremendously.

    My worst time is the end of February until the snow starts to melt here in Michigan.
  • bumblebreezy91
    bumblebreezy91 Posts: 520 Member
    I don't have SAD, but I have major depressive disorder (clinical depression) and pretty severe anxiety. I tend to isolate a lot, especially in the winter (I have always hated the snow/ice/bitter temps just as much as I hate hot summer days, brushing off my car/defrosting my car, slipping on black ice when I walk and when I drive, being cold even in my apartment, and I don't even find snow very pretty, so it's just a crappy time of the year and because I live in Wisconsin, it lasts FOREVER). I've gone off medications almost entirely (I take clonazepam if needed) because I find that the dozens I've tried over the past few years haven't been significantly helpful for me. But recently, I've found a good therapist, I'm eating well, I'm forcing myself to get out for some exercise (especially at the indoor pool) most days of the week, and talking about my journey/feelings online. It seems to be helping me.
  • RobinCT821
    RobinCT821 Posts: 26 Member
    SAD sucks all the fun out of the holidays. I am all optimistic up until midi-December, then I just can't stand the hassle of it all. I avoid the cold because it causes pain in my face, so I stay inside most all winter.

    I have been taking Vitamin D, but will increase that to my maximum.
    All my art supplies are in a room in the basement. I'm going to bring it upstairs where there are windows and natural light.
    Maintaining an exercise routine sounds like a great idea, instead of curling up on the couch watching tv or reading - use that as my reward for being active for a half hour.
    Only make cookies I don't like.

    I also use mood-lifting essential oils in a diffuser, or a necklace. Peppermint, spearmint, lemon, orange, etc.
  • Sheamousemom
    Sheamousemom Posts: 17
    Vitamin D seems to help
  • crash_aly
    crash_aly Posts: 112
    I'll be starting Vitamin D pills again.

    I can already feel the urge to eat everything and do nothing setting in...

    I may need to look into this! Lately I have been feeling hungry almost constantly, wanting to do nothing but sleep and just tired in general. Years ago I was diagnosed with clinical depression, was on meds for about a year and then got off of them. I am pretty good most of the year and love being outside. But lately finding that I feel very off...also way more emotional than usual!
  • AllonsYtotheTardis
    AllonsYtotheTardis Posts: 16,947 Member
    AKA known as "Winter Sucks and I Miss The Sun"

    ha ha

    if only it was as simple as that. It's not.
  • JayMri
    JayMri Posts: 241 Member
    Has anyone used these lights? They are inexpensive and get good reviews. I am thinking they'd be great to use at work for an hour or so mid day, which is when it really starts to hit me.

    http://www.verilux.com/light-therapy-lamps/happylight-2500/
  • alexandriax03
    alexandriax03 Posts: 289 Member
    Vitamin D and the tanning bed
  • TigerBite
    TigerBite Posts: 611 Member
    Tanning and getting up with the sun ...
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    For those of you that suffer what are some of the ways you help reduce the effects of SAD?

    Saw the title of your post and switched my SAD lamp on :-)
  • Granville_Cocteau
    Granville_Cocteau Posts: 209 Member
    The fall equinox really messes me up. I start having nightmares about apples and squash; don't want to be around anyone.
  • MidModJenn
    MidModJenn Posts: 216 Member
    I'm so happy to find this old thread! I get really bad SAD every Fall and I'm dreading it this year... I've been doing so well with my exercise and healthy eating, and I'm terrified it'll all be undone as the days start to get shorter and my brain shuts down. I've never tried the Vitamin D idea, will have to put that on my shopping list for this weekend!
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    edited August 2019
    Once my "winter blues" set in, usually late Oct, I start taking my anti-depressant, Wellbutrin, and continue taking it until gardening season the following spring lifts my mood, at which point I taper off again.

    I have a diagnosed D deficiency. 2,000 IU gets my levels back up to normal, but I have seen posters here need far more.

    I do most of my hiking Fall - early Spring at a nearby state park. I make a habit of doing this at lunchtime during the work week. When there is snow, I snowshoe out back or work on the trails there - I am the only one who does trail maintenance back there, with sporadic help on some of them by ATVs. I was out there yesterday to get some phragmites, AKA World's Largest Cat Toy, and the trails are SO overgrown - I haven't been out there since gardening season begun. I am fixing to push away from the computer and go out there now.

    Anyway, spending time outside in the winter, despite the cold, is very helpful for my mental state. I just bundle up and get out there. I think I've made it to the single digits F.

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