beginning to wonder if I have SAD (23 Mar 02) 4messages

Topic: beginning to wonder if I have SAD

posted by Peter Bailey on 2002-02-12 03:14:00


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Why, too many visits to the doctor only to discover bloods ok etc etc, fed up with colds feeling lazy (i could sit indoors all day. Love sunshine when I go to Spain the moment the plane gets above cloud level I feel invigourised and completely different.

Is it me or is it getting worse now with virtually most weeks being overcast and grey.

I suffered depression in the early nineties after some stressfull times but now am married (happily) and have a great job.

I am eating cakes and biscuits no end and start to fall asleep at 8/9 ish in the evening. Sleep can be light and I wake up very early sometimes.

Worried about self diagnosing with yet another trip to the doctor.

worried about spending £150 + on a lightbox if I dont have SAD.

I do crave sunlight for example yesterday was awful and I felt bad and today is sunny and I feel good.

Regards in advance

Peter



Clare

Topic: Re: beginning to wonder if I have SAD

posted by Clare on 2002-02-23 04:17:13


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Hi Peter, yes it does sound like you could have SAD. Ask your dr. about it.

I have had it for 4 years now, and only just been dz.
I take 20mg of prozac in winter, and use the light box. I didn't get the box till xmas time,and was already in a bad way by then, so don't know if it helped or not. You could hire one.

Clare



Lisa

Topic: Re: beginning to wonder if I have SAD

posted by Lisa on 2002-02-26 03:57:14


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Yes - it does sound like you have SAD. I have self-diagnosed, my Dr is beginning to believe me too (rather than having Post-Natal Depression which miraculously disappears in the summer months).

I recently had a short trip to Spain and I too was highly motivated by the sunlight.

I haven't yet tried the light box but if I feel hyper again this summer I will be assured to get an alarm clock or/and light before next autumn.

I now believe that my SAD has become worse since giving up work to have children, not just because of the added stresses but also because I do not spend any time in highly illuminated offices anymore.

I work in a highly lit leisure centre two evenings a week and find the bright lighting this really wakes me up.

Lisa


Sharon

Topic: Re: beginning to wonder if I have SAD

posted by Sharon on 2002-03-23 04:49:22


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Hi Pete,
welcome to the club. Yes, it sounds very much as if you have SAD.
For further information you could try contacting SADAssociation at PO Box 989, Steyning BN44 3HG I think they also have a website but am unsure of the url - sorry.

The consolation for you is that it's now the end of March, the days are longer, Summer, such as we get here, is on it's way and you have 4-6 months, maybe more if the Autumn is as sunny as last year, to get yourself organised for next winter. I have a lightbox and have found Hypericum to be very helpful too. In fact this winter, for me, has been a really good one and it's only now, after a very busy week & another of disturbed sleep due to a cold, that I'm beginning to feel less motivated. Hang in there, it does get better and there are things you can do about it. Sharon