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...
Its so cloudy here and the sun rarely shines at al this time of year. Its a Tim Burton twilight abyss. Im going tanning but its only helping so much. I got this new boyfriend and I dont want to turn him off, but I ve been having moments of uncontrollable anger and rage where throw a tantrum and its embarassing. Its also not like me but this sun dep has got me acting crazy and its embarassing. I need to get out of Portland soon this sun dep is making me loony :-/
I'm in the Midwest now, before moving probably to CO for the sun and outdoor sports. I wanted to spend the holidays with my family versus in a new town knowing almost no one, but I have SAD here too (season isn't as long though here for me). However, sometimes I get the same way, irritable and tired, everything is a PITA to do, that's one was I know the SAD is getting bad. My relatives don't like it I'm sure, but I don't either. I can see myself being that way and don't recognize who that even is.
First I would advise you to get your hands on a copy of the book "Winter Blues" By Dr Norman Rosenthal. What you are going through is common and treatable.
Secondly I would advise you to get a light box. They work on a completely different mechanism to tanning (which is not a recommended treatment for SAD), and are a lot safer.
If you want the effects of tanning without the risk of cancer, try taking at least 3000IU of Vitamin D daily.
Hope this helps
I wanted to let you know you are not alone in Ptld! I also live in this area. I have lived here about half of my life. I understand what you are going though as the cloudy darkness really is hard. It is especially bad this time of year. January is always my worst month of SAD.
How long have you lived here? One positive I can add is, if ya can get through the winters, the summer and fall are amazing. The winters which I know are tough, aren't near as bad as in other parts of the country. The temps are mild and rarely get snow in the lower elevations. I hate snow! LOL I grew up in ND severe cold and blizzards. When I moved to Ptld back in 86 I used to laugh at people here who thought it was cold out.
The book Winter Blues that fighter is referring to is excellent. A must read for someone with SAD.
Hope you are having a better day today!