For me, it usually in the Fall when the sun goes down earlier each night. The weather is still mild and I hate the fact that sometimes it feels like a cool summer day, but the sun isn't out. I usually get more adjusted once the months go deeper into winter, but the worst is the start of it.

I start feeling bad in October/November, but late December is usually when it really hits the hardest. I don't usually notice any improvements until the end of January at the earliest, when I start noticing the sun going down later and start feeling more hopeful. I can't handle Christmas at all, either. They're already playing Christmas songs in the grocery store now, and I can't stand it because it just brings up all those nasty feelings for me.

I used to love Christmas :(

November to mid December is normalyy my worst time too but once we get past the shortest day and see a tiny bit of difference in the time the sun sets I feel my spirits begin to rise and I find by the end of January I'm starting to feel much more re-energised, bit like the duracell bunny!!

There are some people who actually suffer with SAD during the summer months. I believe it has to do with circadian rhythm. I gradually decline from October through March if I dont take action early. I have found that by doing the extra things I need to even before I feel symptoms, I can conquer triggering full blown depression.

It is so important to make it an over-all plan of wellness. Like some of you have mentioned, it is very important to get as much light as possible even without a light box. Leeall, there are special light bulbs you can buy to use in a lamp while sitting at the computer that might help you. They are much less expensive than the box. They may not produce the same results, but can help where you are concerned. The key is to stay well enough not to trigger depression.

I will post later about what I have done to try to prevent being triggered in a seperate thread.

Blessings to all of you for a happy and healthy winter ahead. Hugs

yes I agree you have to take steps in anticipation of any symtoms that may occur before you start feeling bad, for me that meant starting light therapy at the beginning of September as soon as evenings were becoming darker, and planning what meals would be tempting to eat

Mine starts about now and lasts till the weather turns warm.

For me the "blues" always hit around the end of Jan and lasted until March. I am newly diagnosed and have never had it this early until this year.

Definitely January.

I agree with Leeall. I groan right along with you.
Just don't like cool or cold weather.

December is my worst month, the holidays build one on the other until it just seems I'm walking under a great big black cloud. It must be a funnel cloud though, people at work start edging around me about this time of year.

Then comes New Year's Eve, and the ritual of a warm mug of cider in front of a fire. The fire is electric these days, but the toast at midnight still seems to work to clear out the mind. The next day seems a little better, more forward looking.

January becomes a month of inner searching and yes I hate the cold too. In February, I start actively thinking about the garden and what I'm going to plant.

Hugh

Hello Everyone I'm new. My worst month is getting out in the cold. I love the holidays and visting but the cold hurts. I love stay cuddle up in the house all winter. but can't do it. I have NA meetings to do and physical therapy to do. So I have to do it and keep warm as much as possible.

mine starts in October to April here. I am usually pretty shot around Nov & Dec.

I try and keep myself positive, read my bible or a positive story, watch happy movies. I love Christmas and I so look forwards to it, but it zapps me right out!

Glad I finally joined this group. Alwasy nice ot know were not alone!

It's difficult from end of December thru January for me.

My worst is October and November

This time of year all of the tree loose their leaves the grass turns yellow and the flowers die so it is cold, windy, and everything looks dead. The sun never seems to shine. At least when if finally snows the snow is bright. I also usually recover with family during Christmas but this year I will not be able to go see anyone since my husband and I are going to be traveling. So who knows how long the sadness will last this year.

Hi, I'm a new member. Let's see, it creeps up on me in Nov. and Dec., then full blown in January through mid-February.