Seasonal Affective Disorder Support Group

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 throughout most of the year, but experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer. The condition in the summer is often referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder. Seasonal mood...

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Snoeflayk 10/25/2013

I'm new to the site and wanted to say hi.

Winter's always been rough on me, and a year or two ago I was diagnosed with SADS. I'm glad I was, because it's helped me find new ways to feel better in the dark months. I currently am using herbal remedies and a light box. I've been lurking on the site for a few months, and I appreciate the information you provide. I recognize myself in almost every post I read, and it's nice to know there are others like me out there. :-)

Today has been really symptomatic for me, and reading through this site has helped lift my mood a litte. Thanks!

Snoeflayk 10/25/2013

edit: I should have said that I'm glad I have a diagnosis, not that I'm glad I have SADS. ;-)

heatherhurts 10/28/2013

Nice to meet you, Snoeflayk.

heatherhurts

blueviolet725 10/30/2013

Welcome. I love my light box, just used it this morning.
I have been traveling and handling family issues, not around as much.
You have already read the book, Winter Blues???
Glad to meet you.

Snoeflayk 10/30/2013

I've seen references to the Winter Blues book on this site, but I haven't had a chance to read it, yet. Maybe this winter, when I'm curled up on the couch. :-)

Springsun 11/05/2013

Hello, nice to meet you!

deleted_user 11/06/2013

I'm also new to the site. Nice to know I am not the only one with this problem. Thanks for sharing your story!

panzees 11/21/2013

Would you mind sharing what herbal remedies you have tried?

Snoeflayk 11/22/2013

I started taking St. John's Wort this year, and that has been helping me. I use the liquid form, because it gets absorbed into the body faster. I take a dose at night to help me sleep, because an herbalist told me it helps with anxiety, too. I take it around 8PM, and I haven't been waking up with panic attacks this winter (so far). As November has gotten grayer, I've started taking a dose after I get to work, too (around 8:15). This has really helped make my day easier to get through. I haven't noticed any side affects, other than a little bit of tiredness from it, but not taking it is worse.

I've also taken a multivitamin for years to help me with my mood. Based on what I've read on this site, it's probably the vitamin D in it that's been helping me.

I also use a light box as needed (which is pretty much every day now).

I hope this helps.

Snoeflayk 11/22/2013

Oh, I also take a daily flaxseed oil pill to help me with my anxiety.

deleted_user 11/24/2013

Interesting to read about the St. Johnsworth. I heard some good things about it. I am using a multivitamin as well that seems to be helping me. Thanx for sharing. Also interesting that SAD seems to affect your sleep.

sunnysideupdown 12/05/2013

I have SAD and I highly recommend the latest winter blues book and especially its companion workbook that is sold separately.

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