Is it SAD?

Hi there Sue G

It is unfortunate that you, like so many of us, have to write about how awful you feel and post it into cyberspace. But, the comforting part is that there are so many of us out here in that space, and you are addressing people who really and truly do understand how you feel, as to a greater or lesser extent, we all have most of the same symptoms. Many of us are self-diagnosed, as unfortunately, SAD does not seem to be a GP speciality.

It will make me sound very ancient (though I am actually 26 on the inside!), but I have had SAD, it now appears, for 34 years. At a mere 16/18 I recall the arrival of a black emotion as the September sun struggled to lift itself off the horizon. At 42 I was pretty convinced it was SAD, the GP said it wasn't.... more of the annual autumnal antidepressants (but unlike you, they make me feel even more debilitated). I put off buying a lightbox owing to the expense. However, in 2002 I did buy one, and although winters are still 'different' the benefits are enormous and I now function like a real person throughout the gloomy months. The biggest challenge remains making sure I have a healthy rather than carbo packed diet, and getting a brisk daily walk even if all I want to do is have a nap.

Anyway, what I am building up to is that there is a link here :
http://www.normanrosenthal.com/winter_blues_2.html
which will take you to a page on the Dr Norman Rosenthal website where you can test yourself for SAD, it is a very good guide. In 1984 this Dr and his team gave this winter depression its name, SAD, seasonal affective disorder. He also wrote a marvellous book "The Winter Blues". Perhaps take the test then print off your page and return to your Doctor with it. There are 7 NHS SAD clinics nationawide, you could but ask..... I asked, I failed however.

Have you tried St Johns Wort, it is very effective for many, and not just to treat SAD, it has enormous benefits with other types of depression and is used extensively on the Continent. Take special care of your diet and exercise. A lightbox can be trialled on a 21 day money back system, definitely worth a go.... if it's going to work for you it will work within 10 days. This is my one big regret, that I didn't try a lightbox earlier, I could have saved years of anguish.

Just remember, you are not alone, although you will be feeling that way.
All the best, let us know how you get on won't you. Julie

Thanks for the replies.

Will let you know how I get on.

Sue

I've already posted one message tonight but I just have to ask this. I am convinced I have SAD as I have all the symptoms you guys mention to a greater or lesser degree, except I don't overeat, but only 70% of SAD sufferers do over eat.

But what I want to ask you about is your thoughts. I know this is personal and I don't epxect anyone to divulge their personal lives to a perfect stranger, but the worst part of my SAD is that I suddenly don't feel the same about the people in my life any more. I get so wrapped up in my own head that I sometimes have to force myself to consider my family and remember to do things with my kids.

The other really frightening thing is that I find myself going over and over ad nauseum, the bad things that have happened to me - there aren't even that many so you can imagine how boring this is. But I just cannot stop myself when I am having a bad bout of SAD and feeing really tired. I may be cooking dinner but all the time my mind is reliving getting dumped by my first love, or the big row I had with girl friends on holiday, or panicing that I don't love my husband and kids properly. Then I feel so SAD I could DIE.

If any other saddies get these kind if sympoms/thoughts please let me know asap. I have had courses of therapy over the years as I thought I had unresolved issues, maybe I have, but it is funny how they don't bother me in spring/summer...

Keep smiling

Dawn

:? :? :?

Thanks Bright One - see you don't have to wait for tonight to get a reply! I should be working but I don't care...

Who needs drugs and therapy when after all these years of suffering I can get in touch with people who really know what this is like - alleluia!!

Speak soon. :wink: :wink: :wink:

Hi Folks,

Wow! So nice to be able to identify with what has already been posted.

I have found myself wondering recently whether I still love my partner and feel terrible guilt because I do not feel sexual and would much rather have cuddles.

He does not experience SAD but is a sensitive soul with whom I usually feel able to talk about virtually anything completely honestly. Although recently the thought of being single and not having to think about anyone elses feelings has seemed quite attractive.

All very confusing and distressing.

Kier :lol:

"wouldn't it be easier for everyone if I wasn't here?"

classic thought and Julie I agree the strangest thing is when you're on the up the 'other' you is a far distant memory. Almost like you in a different dimension. It isn't 'you' but somehow you have a connection.

The Mr is thrilled to bits. I have been so down and the last couple of days I made sure I got early nights and plenty of light box and he loves the 'bubbly' me. He says he always loves me but sometimes it's difficult to like me, mostly because I don't seem to like myself.

Anyway, feeling good. Went out to a leaving do for an old work colleague and met loads of mates who told me I was looking beautiful and life must be treating me well! I know that we should try to let go of our egos to be better people but frankly I'm all for a bit of selfish ego inflation. I felt fantastic and so many people complimented my hair and said I looked well "married life must be good for you" etc...

yep, head the size of a hot air balloon but ready to face this ugly, dark miserable day and prod some buttock!

yeah i know i love my hubby in summer but in winter i would rather be alone. very difficult playing with the boys and doing just about anything really.
have been able to keep it under control until today. the last two days have been really dull. i was supposed to go out this evening but couldn't face company.
i must be more disciplined with my light box, but i keep going back to sleep after the alarm goes off and then i don't have time cos of getting boys (aged 4 and 7) to school.
feel so &hitty at the moment, just wish it would end.
sorry to be so blue

Hi sebrown,

sorry to hear that you're feeling so down. Something that I have used in the past to combat falling asleep after the alarm has gone off... and I warn you it might upset your other half... is to use 2 or 3 alarms set at slightly different time. Put one, say a mobile phone, under your pillow one in the usual place and one on the floor beside the bed.
A tip is to change the order they go off at (otherwise you just switch them all off).

And have a husband like mine who risks life and limb by rolling over and saying "you going to use your light box?" and then falling back to sleep.

Maybe try a dawn simulator? If you do let me know what they're like... actually if anyone has one can you let me know what they're like. I'm very tempted to get one.

Bright One

Hi Sebrown,
sorry you feel so bad - I feel really grim this year, but the lightbox does at least keep me awake. In fact it curbs all symptoms except the depressive thoughts - I find they never really go away until the spring. It is so nice to be able to rabbit about all this to an understanding audience. My poor family are so sick of listening to me!!

Perahps we should all put Dawn Simulators on the Xmas list this year!!

Keep smiling!

I,ve taken the plunge and ordered a bodyclock from boots.com (no postage). Havn't told hubby the cost yet thou as he is in prague :(
I will let you know how I get on.

Hi Julie,Brightone and All
thanks for the replies.
I also have a light visor which I use in the mornings and a light box which
I use when in front of the pc and I am on citalopram.
so I think i must be a light junkie too. :wink:
I must get off this computer and do some ironing. :cry:
buy for now
sian