What is Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder, also known as S.A.D., winter depression or the winter blues is an affective, or mood, disorder. Most SAD sufferers experience normal mental health thro...
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Do I have SAD?
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I first heard of SAD about 5 years ago - when I was 20. Since then, I've been pretty sure that I've got it to some extent. Every Winter I become depressed. Every year about mid to late October, I start to feel myself being dragged down. It feels like I'm being dragged down underwater - like I'm kicking and struggling to keep my head above water but am being dragged slowly and surely downwards. It feels like drowning. I start to lose concentration and interest. I think I become stupid for a few months!! At least, I cannot think as well as in the summer! I feel like I want to go to bed for months. I crave chocolate and wine and rich dinners like lasagne and roast potatoes. It gets worse; I keep struggling. It's been every Winter but one or two since I was about 14. I just feel awful. Usually it starts to ease up around March - Usually I'm feeling ok by April. By May I feel on top of the world - loads of energy. i feel light and happy and alive.
I think this is SAD but I never talked to anyone about it because I thought - 'I can't prove it and they'll just think I'm being dramatic'. My Dad died 7 weeks ago. I can't face getting down this Winter, not with everything else that's going on. I'm thinking the light box would really help me - do I need to go to a doctor for this or can I just buy one? Does this sound like SAD? I don't want any anti-depression drugs - would like to try the lightbox and natural things first. I appreciate any advice or opinions anyone has to offer! Thanks Posted on 10/20/09, 11:10 am |
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I have SAD too. You definitely sound like you have it. Brandonthewriter recommended a light box and said it works well for him. I just ordered one yesterday. 
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It sounds like SAD to me also. For those of us who suffer with it in the colder months it has to do with the decrease in sunlight and the shorter days. Our seratonin levels become lower and our melatonin levels higher. Melatonin is the natural chemical in our brain that helps us relax so we may become more fatigued.
A few things I have done for years that seem to work for me are...........light box twice a day for 20 minutes but not after 3 p.m., vitamin D, vitamin B complex, omega 3, increased exercise, and meditation. The light box is a great alternative because it triggers the brain to produce more seratonin and less melatonin. I also go to the tanning bed once a week. I have a dual diagnosis so I do take an antidepressant and for many it is necessary because of the serious instability of their brain chemicals during these months. There are some people who suffer with SAD during the summer months. It is also important to keep a regular sleep schedule to adjust your circadian rhythm. You may want to talk to your general practitioner about it and see if they have any suggestions for you. xo
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Thank you CronicIL and Shelly4 for your comments, advice and for explaining what's going on! I'm going along on the assumption that I've got SAD. Like I said, I don't want to feel that way again this year as life is hard enough right now without this. I'm trying to get out and go for walks on the days it's a bit brighter and sunnier. I'm trying to eat more fish (for those omegas and protein) and less sugar/carbs and I've got a new light that gives off very bright white light. I make sure to put all the lights on in the house as soon as I get home as well as first thing in the morning. I feel relief when the lights are on and like I don't have to work so hard to be ok. I may still need to buy a SAD light later in the winter but I guess I'm gonna see how it goes with what I'm doing at the moment. Thanks for the help
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