Seasonal Affective Disorder

That's a good question, prmenrs. I wish I knew the answer, other than to buy one of those really expensive light boxes recommended by the experts (which I have not yet done BECAUSE they're expensive).

Funny you should mention SAD, you live in sunny Southern California where it's rare but not unheard-of. I always wondered what my problem was in the winter when I lived there; I'd get a little depressed around January and it would last for a couple of months regardless of the weather. But it wasn't until I'd been up here in Western Oregon for several years that the full impact of SAD hit me, and I'm still struggling with it even though I keep all the drapes open and get as much natural light as possible. I get sluggish and lazy, I crave carbs, I don't want to go anywhere or do anything. I hate being cold, so I stay inside and hibernate like an old bear......I'd sleep all winter if I could!

I usually up my antidepressant dose when I start noticing the onset of SAD, which usually gets its death grip on me right after the holidays and doesn't leave until the first few really nice spring days come. That can sometimes be as early as March, but some years we don't see the sun and temps in the upper 60s and 70s until May.

This year I'm going to try the tanning booth to see if I can get a little boost, even if it's fake sun. (I know, I know, but darn it, I gave up all my other vices!!) I'll let you know if it makes any difference.

Certainly give the sunbed a go!!! I immigrated NZ from Sunny South Africa and didnt know what had hit me. NZ is know as "the land of the long white cloud", with very good reason. I recognised the shift in my moods from the very first autumn, and was prescribed anti-depressants. (i also had a new born). I shunned the idea of prescription drugs, and while the benefits were'nt instant....i began excercising regularly, reduced carbs, absorb as much sunlight as possible. I reserve the sunbed for only when the blues really hit.....all of these interventions allowing me to positively embrace life once again.

You can buy full-spectrum light bulbs (long ones like fluorescent bulbs) at good hardware stores. DH made me a full-spectrum light box years ago. I haven't used it lately, but maybe I should drag it out, dust it off, and plug it in, because I've been feeling carb-crazy and sluggish and just plain tired lately. I'm sure there are instructions on the net for how to make a light box. It wouldn't be that complicated for someone who is a little bit handy.

We've been blessed with decent weather (for January) the last couple of weeks. Daytime temps in the 30s and 20s at night. We're running about ten-twelve degrees above the normal temps for this time of year. Turtle works outside at night and he's grateful for every little notch on the thermometer. You can only put on so many layers.

I think, because we're both nocturnal, that we are definitely at risk for SAD. Hibernating sounds pretty good about now.

I have been using a "go lite" for years. It cost around $150 and is worth much more. I use it every morning for a half hour and have been doing well. I can't tell you how many I have purchased over the years for family members who needed it. All agree it helps a great deal. I would also suggest a 20 minute walk outside in the sun. Treadmills don't count. I have found that when I am able to walk I feel much better.

Don't think the light will cure you. It is just a help, kind of the way a coat helps in the cold. It is still cold but you are better able to handle it. You may still feel depressed but you are better able to handle it. It helps the carb craving also. Again, no cure.

Recognize that we have more sunlight now than in Dec. and getting better everyday. Brighter days are coming.

I've seen some of those at Costco for less than $200.......sounds like it might be worth a try.

I agree - getting outside is very important. Bundle up if you must - but get outside.

My treadmill is in our dark and spooky basement . . so yeah, that does not count!

I hate being in the house all day long.

Being outside moving my legs is mental health therapy!


steph

I'm definitely going to try one of those. Thanks for the link!

Today was sunny and comparatively balmy, almost 60 degrees this afternoon. I can't believe how much better my disposition was after I went outside and stood on the porch for a few minutes. Then I went in for my first tanning session, and they took really good care of me...lying in the sunbed with my eyes closed and my goggles on, I could feel energy flowing back into me just as if I were lying in my back yard or on a beach somewhere. I'm starting off slowly---did only 7 minutes today and got merely a shade less pale, without burning---and using the indoor tanning product they recommended, which smells terrific and makes my skin soft.

I feel better already.