new SAD man

hi everyone at last a forum to pour myself on.............I've known I suffer from SAD for many years perhaps as long as 10-15 years and just dealt with it really. I have the usual uncaring family, who don't acknowledge my problems or help me. My wife keeps asking me if I want a seperation, but she doesn't understand I just want her support and help. I want people to make allowances for me not feel sorry for me. I want changes in my life, I want to live in the sun. Some days I feel like throwing dinner plates out of closed windows, I dream of beaches and heat..........my life cannot change in its current circumstances unless I force the issue, which I am close to doing. I take meds amitript or something. It doesn't do much good except knock me out for a few hours at night, then I wake up in the morning feel worse than ever, its a never ending cycle..........but then summer comes, light shines and I go to :( spain and I'm fine and dandy. Light therapy doesn't really work for me, I need a change of environment, but I can't do it until the kids have left college and are settled. Ho hum better get outside even though its grey................

Hi Jessie

Glad you found the forum, it's such a support for us SADDIES!

Sorry to hear you don't get much support from your family, I suppose it is difficult living with us. I know from the way I feel that I distance myself from my partner and I can imagine that makes him feel unloved. All I can do is make sure I try to reassure when I feel ok and remember to tell him I love him everyday. Thankfully, you don't need much energy to do that lol!!!

Keep your chin up and remember you are not alone. Everything you feel both physically and mentally is very real and someone on here is feeling the same, understands and will support you.

hi i am new myself, welcome to the family xxxxxx

Oh Suzie, I feel just like that sometimes. Just don't want to mix with other people at some 'do' or other, other folk thinking I'm miserable, but no energy to do anything about it.\

hi guys
I've stopped taking the amitriptylene, as although it knocked me out at night I did feel more sleepy and morose during the day. Now trying 'happy face' ha! which is serotonin based more herbal than med. I'm exactly the same, from a normal happy go lucky person, I've turned into a social retard which is quite disturbing. I don't really discuss my probs with friends or family as I've learnt the hard way that people just take the mick and are quite incredulous. I don't want sympathy just understanding. I visit my brother and family as often as possible as stansted is only an hour away and we can get to spain for next to nothing on the cheapie airlines. It does me good for a while but I come back to earth with a bang once the dreary shores of uk re-appear and work rears its ugly head. I think how lucky he is after working 12 hrs. a day for 25 years he just had enough - sold up and lives on next to nothing in a rented 2 bed villa. I've now ordered a 10000 lux light and will use it more regularly although I do feel kinda daft. Keep praying for sunlight!
jess

I try and maintain social contact in the winter, but on my own terms. I tend to see friends one or two at a time. At home if possible. Just invite them for a coffee. Only friends who are sympathetic and who are undemanding. I also agree to other things, but cancel if I don't feel like going when the time comes. It's nice to have things planned if I do feel up to it. I also try and avoid anything which involves a late night.