Hi Natalie. I also started using my light box recently with all this rain. As I get older, the joint pains related to SAD are getting more intense, especially in my shoulders. Creating art (acrylic painting) has been very therapeutic and relaxing for me. It also helps to have friends and family to talk to about my symptoms.

I've been dealing with severe SAD for 34 years. I even relocated one year ago to South Florida, where it's normally sunny and warm in fall and winter. My SAD symptoms are much milder since I relocated.

Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself this season.

Best regards,

Carlos

Oh I wish I could move south! Thank you for commenting, I hope this winter goes well for you, since moving away is always a hard thing to do, I hope it pays off. =)

Hey Natalie keep using your light therapy box as well as exercising regularly to keep up those happy chemicals that your brain produces to fight depression. If you need a natural boost of energy, try vitamin B-complex. Keep socially involved with things like making plans with friends and attending events you're invited to or seeking out events in the community. Go on a vacation, keep warm til then :-)

I almost think that this time of year (the anticipation of the winter) is almost worse then the actual winter. I am trying to enjoy the fall but the weather is cold and rainy so it isn't helpful.

I have never used light therapy and I think I am going to look into it. I also quit my job this June to be home with my kids so this is the first winter I will be not working and I think the weather is going to be more of a focus for me.

The good news is that my husband and I are planning on doing more together at the gym, and his motivation will be essential to my going.

Hi I am new to this group and could use some support.
I get SAD every year around this time.
I live in Canada and the days are beginning to get shorter and I become very depressed.

I want to get a light box and hope that might help.

My "friend told me yesterday that being depressed is a choice and I should just put a smile on my face and do the things I have to do.
Not too much empathy there.
I also am caregiver for my husband and I belong to the caregivers group.
The people there are all very nice and helpful.

I hope I can make some friends in this group as well

I started using light therapy this season just yesterday. I think it will help. I bought a Caribbean Sun. Nice little light.

I also am going to try to exercise more.

Yea....just put a smile on your face... Lol.... we wouldn't care say that to someone with cancer....o, don't you know cancer is a choice? Just put a smile on your face and that cancer will go away! Ha...

We still have a long way to go about educating ppl....

Holy smokes, Laura! That is quite the "friend" you have.
I am also from Canada and my SAD started over there, but I think living in Denmark is a lot harder, since it rains soo much and it is always soo gloomy.

I hope you look into the light box, it really helps me with the fatigue.

I just wanted to add that I've been using my light therapy visor since early September. I personally found that waiting until DST was like playing catch-up.

Like many have mentioned, I would like to move into the southern hemisphere. I need the sunshine and fresh ionic air (fresh air).

Here's wishing you all have a mild winter and a leg up on our SAD.