Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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JennS 11/19/2015

Boy, the weather has been especially wet here in Oregon. It hasn't just been rainy it's been dark an gloomy. There was even was even a storm about 3 nights ago that caused power outages to thousands of people. Our light flickered a few times.

I think this is another reason I'm having such a difficult time lately. I got to a bp support group every week and many of the people there were getty SAD earlier this year.

We had such a hot, humid summer with no rain for so long, it is like the rain is coming out all at once now.

I can hardly wait until the sun comes out again.

dobiedots 11/20/2015

Quick question for everyone....has anyone here used Tanning Beds?
I used to go in the winter to prep for my summer vacation. Anyway, I felt tremendous after each session. I'd go after work, dead tired and come out feeling energetic and happy!
If I could afford it I'd rather do the Tanning bed than what I call the "Grow Lite". They both work well though.

dobiedots 11/20/2015

Me too Lady Promise. I get physically sick in summer and my mood goes down to the pits of hell.
I try not to go out, stay in the A/C. It's a real drag not being able to go out...I think it's my Lithium. I was a summer person until I went on it.
Now it makes me so sick in the Summer.
Oh, who cares...WINTER IS HERE and we're expecting snow tomorrow!!! I will send you some!

dobiedots 11/20/2015

Wow...what a bad reaction to Lithium!!
I think Betty White is older than sliced bread.

gramybear 11/20/2015

I too suffer from SAD and it's horrible. I am taking in all the sun I can get the next couple of days because it's been in the high 60's, however, next week it drops down to 40's and 50's with rain. I don't mind the rain because we need it desperately, but my SAD gets horrible the colder it gets. I am going to check into one of those lights to see if they help which are made for those of us who suffer from SAD. If I do find one, I'll let you know if they truly work. Or maybe someone here already uses one and can give you some opinions. Hugs GB

BabyShelby 11/20/2015

Dobie~~ I've had a tanning bed for years. My hubby dragged it home after he'd spent too much on snowmobile stuff. I think it helps tremendously. I don't use it that often -- maybe once every couple weeks but I will use it more often if crappy weather is getting the best of me.
JennS~~ I'm in the Pacific NW too but in the desert on the east side. I couldn't handle the gloom & rain. Hope you get to feeling perky again.

JennS 11/21/2015

I asked my mental health provider today about SAD and getting a light box. She said it wasn't a good idea for me because it could cause mania. She recommended that I take vitamin D3 so that is what I am doing.

Thank you for all your input.

dobiedots 11/21/2015

Yes, the light can put you into mania. My doc said no more than 20minutes, 3 days a week. If I start to feel jittery, stop altogether.
I only had that happen once, but I'm BP2.

JennS 11/21/2015

thanks everyone.

chris138 11/22/2015

Personally I hate being cooped up in winter. Cabin fever. But I live in Chicagoland, and my family are here. So, I have no real way or plan on moving. I would love to move out west to California. Or somewhere that is mostly warm.

But as my countdown application on my Android phone says. Only 119 days till Spring (March 20th)......

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