SAD and winter blues

hi every one, would just like to explane the way that i am 95% certain that my problems in life are effected by S.A.D, in hope that someone out there can perhaps understand or is going through the same what i am experiencing, this maybe will sound a bit bizzar to people who dont understand but i am trying to resolve the problem throught light therapy, i am a 26yr old male i have been aware of my winter dissorder for 5 years but was still effected before and didnt know why, in the winter months i am depressed i find it hard to work or be around friends and meet new people due to being paranoid about myself in the way i am being looked upon i often look at people in the street and i get negative looks, i find it hard to keep a conversation with peole and genarly feel that the winter time kills a part of me that i need to become excepted in order to live a normal life, but as soon as summer time awakes i become alive women are atractede to me i have confidence relaxed and feel great, but i know its only a tempary possition and as soon as winter comes i become ugerly and have even herd comments stating this but when its summer i get wolfed whisseled by women andf even get asked out on date and get complments saying how fit and gorgouse i look, this is 100% true with even my close friends as witnesses to the events of my winter disorder and summer bliss events, last summer i wanted to see if i could prepare myself for the winter by spending as much time down the beach as i could a was brown very brown and as it got colder into the winter i bought a sun bed and used it until january and it helped very well no where near as good as the summer but still gave me a head start on the winter when i stoped using it with in a few weeks to a month i was feeling terable again, please belive me this is not all in my head, i wish it was, i am fighting this S.A.D the best way i know how and would really apreciate anyone with any advise on the ways that you deal with S.A.D the sun gives me energy makes me happy and fun to be around makes me atractive, but when its taken away i am a negative cold ugly bitter person, and its not because i have brain washed myself to believe this, if anyone out there has any info about what i am going through or there in the same position them selfs please reply.

How Chris - for several years I have been diagonosis for depression due to stress bringing the condition on. I work as a principal teacher so I assume along with the doctors that stress was the factor. This year when back to the doctors in October to explain my sleeping patterns have been affected again - at the very start of Sept - I now have been official digonsis with SAD and I am delighted. Buy the light box, go to the doctor. Chris the way you think about yourself can be definitely overcome by cognitive behaviour therapy. Your doctor will need to refer you. I promise you - the therapy will teach you how to think differently about yourself. Good Luck mate Annette

I completely relate to all of you. It's been 3 years since I realised I was suffering with SAD, before which I just thought I was crazy. I know what you mean Chris about the winter time killing a part of you; every year it feels like half of me just isn't here anymore, and I'm afraid to talk to people in case they can see that I'm dead inside. I'm starting to get a bit scared though, because every year I just get so tired of feeling like this, and so helpless knowing that it's going to be the same year after year after year, and I'm just worried that one day I'm going to give up. I tried a light box a couple of years ago, but it didn't seem to work, but I'm planning on trying again as it's the only thing I've ever heard works. Does anyone know of anything else that I could try as well?

hi all i have suffered with sad for 13yrs but unlike a lot of u i dont dread winter i love winter as i enjoy the christmas time and the snow etc and even the dark nights its just the winter darkness doesnt like me.I have used a lightbox for years and take prozac to help with the symptoms but obviously they dont help 100% its a case of trying to keep going and talking to people who understand.sue

hi louise thanx for your feed back i do find the light box works to a certain extent but i need my prozac as a back up i couldnt manage without it. Does anyone suffer other symptoms with there sad id like to hear from u if u do thanx sue

hi ems74 i can recomend the national light hire company or outside in both of these i have used to purchase light boxes and have been very helpful. hope this helps sue

hi me; god dont we all sound like desperate souls ive had a bad couple of days what with headaches and a upset stomach all part of my sad as i sem to suffer every year and just generally feelng not myself and worrying about everything im hoping you had some joy at the doctors mine arent very helpful really i find i tell them things about sad rather than them helping me to cope ahh well another day over one step closer to spring yip hee take care

HI LIW it realy all depends on what drugs he is taking, depression can effect us all in different ways, some people drink to escape and some people take drugs to escape and some dont do either, if like you say, its around this time of year he takes drugs then it "could" be that he is suffering with SAD and maybe he doesnt know he has SAD, or he could just have other issues, have you tryed to have a serious talk with your bro on why he takes drugs ? illegal drugs can have a realy bad effect on ones mental wellbeing if he is not stable he could find himself in a lot of danger with mental health, if i were in your shoes i would try helping your brother and confront him on the subject of drugs before it gets out of hand and perhaps try and get him to see his doctor where they can offer him pro help and advise,i wish you all the luck in helping your bro, illegal drugs wont help any ones problems even while they feel good at the time of doing drugs there is always the ballance what goes up must come crashing down and there is no plesure without pain. hope you find this helpfull

Hello Everyone. Sorry to hear about your problems but have to say I have read them all and found them to be very comforting. I believe I suffer from SAD and can relate to so much which has been outlined. To me it seems to start off as headaches, general lethargy, loss of appetite, general loss of interest in oneself, poor sleep and anxiety/loss of confidence. For some reason I seem to cope okay post Christmas. I am currently living in Glasgow and for the past two years around September time I have felt the same. Interestingly I worked down in London for 5 years and didn't seem to go through the same process. I grew up in Glasgow and looking back I seemed to go through the same symptoms each year. I have read that the further North you are the more pronounced it can be - has anyone experienced that? I do find trying to keep busy, exercise, fresh air and company helps but as others have said I do feel a general reluctance to mix in company when feeling like this. I can relate so much to the idea of just feeling like half a person as in the Summer Months I would say I am a very positive, bubbly and confident individual. I have never tried a light box but it is something which I am definitely going to give a go. I would like to wish everyone well and hopefully like me you can take some comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Best Wishes, Paul

Hi, really interesting reading all your comments; its so good to hear all the support and kindness on a site like this. I am considering getting a light box for my daughter who is bi-polar and who tends to get very depressed about this time of year.As she is a student we think that she will find it difficult to find the right time and place to use a box but think a bodyclock might be worthwhile as waking and getting up gets increasingly difficult for her and seems to have a crucial effect on how she feels for the rest of the day. Does anybody have any relevant experience either with this disorder or with using a bodyclock? Sue

hi there guys im sure about this, I dont think anyone likes this time of year when the evenings get dark, im a holiday rep myself so you can imagine that the summer and the winter are very contrasting in terms of the weather lol but I think its about your lifestyle, eat well and get plenty of exercise and try to think positive at all times thats what I would recommend, of course I would admit myself that during the summer im more confident and like chris said I get more attention of girls in the summer as well but this is all to do with the fact that people in the summer generally feel better about themselves, in the winter people start to think negatively and this then results in these symptoms which you describe, think positively and get plenty of exercise thats would I do. Kind Regards, Jon

Thanks Sue well done word for word, jon if only it was a simple as thinking positive and geting exercise, i do eat well and i exercise, dont know what your implying with your comment, if you havnt experienced sad then you wont understand how people with SAD feel, my fitness is perfect and i eat what is right for myself, and yes these two are important for wellbeing but they will do nothing for SAD, its easy for some one who is not experiencing sad to say its all in the mind, at the same time thanks jon for trying to help

thanks jon i understand what you are saying and i do believe that yes going for a run and taking it in you stride , but when it comes down to having SAD and your trying to take it in your stride its still realy hard as when i am at work i will get comments from people saying are you all right how are you feeling, i say im fine, body langage will all ways give it away for me and having a smile on my face will only work on others if you are happy inside in the first place, i always tryed to get off on a positive start for the day, i can only think positive if i am in the right frame on mind, anxiety i get in the winter is because i look so obvious i.e depressed and looking like this makes me stick out from pritty much every one, when i am depressed i look terable and i do believe in this state of mind i attract more negativity this makes me anoyed because no matter how hard i try it it only exchasts me to the point of having no energy, its not about having a tan although this did cross my mind where i thought women were taking a intrest in me as it makes a healthy look, the girlfriends i have had, the relationship all started in the summer after a few winters of being in a relationship it is very hard on the partner who hasnt got SAD. the sun truely does lift and charge me, energy is over flowing a smile comes natral, i can go shoping with out anxiety because i am not depressed i feel great, SAD is like having waights locked to my feet, i have a good positive look on life and every thing around me when i am in the sun it realy is hard to explane the only way a can is winter i am not just a "little" under the weather, i am wasted, summer time i am so content i do anything to stay there, and this is what i am trying to do, i am learning everything i can to help aid me but it is just great to be around others that know what i am going through makes me feel like i aint alone on this, i rather chat to others, than do it alone, so why are you here jon?

hi Tiny could you give more details on the bodyclock like what this it is, im intrested, also great idear about bright cheerfull paint, have herd that this is good for the mood do you think these daylight energy lightbulbs are the same as theses lightboxes? many thanks Chris

hi steve youve made a start already in helping yourself by joining in on this chat i feel it will do us all the world of good to be able to talk to someone whos in the same position i too feel like you do and i also suffer other symptoms soon that really get me down i have had some bad experiences with the doctors but they dont know enough about sad i often get asked questions when i go so they can find out more obviously this isnt helpful to me when i need someone to talk to so im glad i found this page i think i can say for all of us that we could make a great sad family and help one another until the sun shines brightly for us all again take care sue

Wow, just saw my reply and didn't realise it would be that long- sorry!! Had a quick look through the messages and I would just like to say that lack of light is probably the problem for you CHARLIE ANGEL. SAD is a medically recognised condition (although that doesn't mean that your GP will definately be up to date on it) and you are not a hypercondriact. Have a look at the advice that I and others have given on the site and check out the other websites given. Best Wishes Hannah

To finish off my above previous message, I thought Id better let you also know that my doctor has arranged for me to revisit in a weeks time, and then again for support. She will then organise for some cognitive therapy (for me, not her!!haha). Her support seems brilliant to date, long may it last.

hi ya sue, Im looking forward to christmas as well for the first time. I usually spend most of it either in bed or antisocialy isolated from the family, cause Im too tired and flat to go with them. Lets hope our mood holds.

take care ME x

Sue
It is supposed to take 3 weeks to completely work. I have only been taking it for a week with combination of light and exercise, so its hard to say how well Prozac is working on its own. It apparently does not cause drowiness but can also cause delays with people being able to get to sleep (according ti the chemist)- so that was fine by me. I felt abit jumpy for a few days then loads better.

I never feel like falling asleep in front of my light as I have it so close and bright, also the area in which it is located is also white, so that the light bounces back. I feel totally comforted, warm and secure within it. I never want to switch it off. It can however, make me hyper-active if i have too much, and I start planning dates and meetings and house extensions(!) that I just would not be able to do on a bad day. So I have to be careful.
I would be interested if you are a spontaneous person or a planner, as I find it so difficult usually to plan any activity and wondered whether it was a secret SAD symtom.
regards ME

Sue
You're right about the distance and not staring. I normally read with it directly in front of me, reflecting off the paper. I have been told that the bulbs need to be replaced from time to time so that it can work effectively - could that be the answer.

Glad that Prozac works for you. I feld really guilty and upset in seeking help this year, but I realise now that I have actually just accepted that I have SAD proper. Yes, I knew I have suffered from it for years, but I never asked for help- just used my lightbox- and got on with it. I didnt realise how it effected everyone around me. That was until this week, when I feel totally stable

hi rhiannon i have just read ur message to me have u thought of looking on the national light hire company and u can hire a light box at a very reasonable price hope this helps sue

Hi, I have found this very interesting and am thinking of buying a light box. There are so many on ebay for a fraction of the price paid on other websites. Check it out... Shell.x

Hi there, this has been so interesting. I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder about a year ago, I tried Prozac but it did nothing for me. The doctors just kind of gave up on me and my life has been hell. But the more and more i read through this, the more and more it seems to make sense that this could be what I have. Does anyone else have trouble sleeping at night? I seem to have thoughts just rushing through my head all at once, and I can't shut off and get to sleep no matter how tired I am. Thank you for all your very helpful comments on here, it has really touched me and helped me boyfriend to gain some kind of understanding.
Kayley M
x

Hi Kayley
I also have problems dropping off to sleep at night when I am shattered, else I wake up in the early hours and can not get back to sleep till just before the alarm goes off. Personally, this tends to happen for an uncalculated period of time which always starts late October/early November. This is when I realise that SAD is kicking in again. I have also realised this year that I also become stroppy and argue about silly things like Mars Bars at this time - getting it all totally out of proportion. This is the time when I know I have to start my light treatment else paranoia, then depression sets in.

Light treatment and exercise in place, I am hugely better.

My husband now stays with me for a short time each morning while I absorb the light. He feels more with it too - he does not have SAD.

Good Luck

ME x

thanks Annette, i have been to my doctors so many times i have lost count i used to take anti depresants zespin and now i take propanahol for anxiety, its hard to explane myself to my doctor, i feel he is not on my side, i have, wrote my problems out on two sheets of paper trying to get my point across and he replyed with there are a number of good books out there for self help and printed me a list of them, i have been feeling terable the last two weeks, i have a smile on my face i try my utmost best to come across positive to others around me in my line of work as it involves dealing with the genaral puplic, but all i get back is negativity, its a cruel world, i just want to stay home away from it all, yet if it was summer i still carry my scars from winter being all the negativity i have off others, and it takes me by shock as i have to adjust to excepting all the positivity, i feel like i am going mad , just wish some one could swap positions with me and see this ying yang effect i have between the winter and summer, i wish every one was as friendly as the people we have on this site,

Hi Kayley, I have the same problem with sleep, and can't get my mind to switch off. Strangely I have almost no trouble sleeping in the daytime. I think one of the problems with sleeping in the night is that I know that the sooner I go to sleep, the sooner I'll have to cope with another morning. Does anyone else feel that way?
I was wondering, do you still feel like you have Borderline personality, or do you think it is just the SAD? I ask because for a while before I realised I had SAD I thought I had Borderline because I had such self-destructive ways of dealing with my depression. I would spend most of my time drunk, take drugs, sleep around, self harm etc etc, and it was only when I realised that I had SAD that I managed to stop doing these things (barring the occasional relapse).

hiya i have just ordered one of the light boxes from ebay cant wait for it to arrived i have had this condition for years and so know how you are all feeling reading your messages makes me want to curl up i just want to hibernate like an hedgehog every winter seems worse than the last one in how it affects me im currently taking prozac its helped a little cant wait for the light box i that desperate today i put my facial tanner on for few mins i perked up straight away so im sure the lightbox will help as there brighter
julie

mryouknow who - I've been using my sad lamp for 5 days now since it arrived and I'm worshiping it - feel loads better already and am starting to see an improvement in my sleep patterns already. Its a bit of a clumsy lamp, in that it is not very portable but I use it mainly in the evening from about 5 onwards and first thing in the morning - don't take it to work with me and then I've got something to look forward to when I get home. My daughter also loves it even though she's not a sad sufferer - it puts everyone in a good mood and when we turn it off we realise what a dull world we are really living in (we'll from my perspective as a SAD sufferer anyhow):-) Shortest day soon.... roll on spring... Oh I got the Lumie Brightlight desklamp by the way £129

Hi,
Im just wondering if anyone has the same symptoms as me. I feel nervous talking to people, get all red in my face, irritable and starting to hate myself. I had a bad experience about 5 years ago that has had a profound and long lasting effect on me. Basically a rumour started in my home town that I was a homosexual (not that there is anything wrong with that) but i am not.
I was very low at the time and lost all my friends (wouldnt talk to me) and I stopped going out etc.
Gradually I became paranoid talking to people for fear that they would think I was gay as soon as I spoke to them. I have a good relationship with my girlfriend for two years and she knows the story.
However, my paranoia, fear, self confidence drop, nervousness, and irritable look on the face all get multiplied by a thousand this time of the year!

I've found that higher doses of Vitamin D have helped me with this. Taking a daily supplement of around 1,000 units of D is, for me, very beneficial. I noticed the difference right away.

I have just been living over in Northern Ireland for 2 years. And can defenitely say I have the same symptoms. I come from a warm country where we have long summers and even in winter we would have sun. I hate this part of the year and find that even though I am normally a sociable person I am not when it comes to winter. I am very anxious lately and just snap at anybody. How many times should one use the sunbed to over come this. I am sad and generally unhappy this time of the year. It just feels like you can not face each day and dont have the strenght to carry on. A lot of people even laugh when you mention SAD. I can not even get excited about Christmas this year.

Thanks for the reply Curleyperkins. I do agree that they should give SAD more publicity. Just so that more people can understand that this is not just some exuse. It is good to know thought that there is other people out there. I really did not know what was going on with me in the beginning. Cant really say that ani-depressants work. i have tried Prozac and Ciprimal and just found that it took all my emotions away. Also dont want to survive aech year without caring about anything.

Hi J I was interested in our post as it sounds just like my son! I have had SAD for many years and I am more and more convinced that he has it too but he won't acknowledge this. He is very down during the winter months and guaranteed if he leavesa job it is during the winter, because "he can't take it any more" not sure if he means the winter or the job. He has now moved to the East Midlands from the South and it seems to be worse. It was interesting that one of the posts said that it gets worse the further north you go.Sometimes you have to let people hit rock bottom before they are willing to listen. I bought him a dawn simulator which he said was great but it got broklen and has never been replaced. Maybe if you and your partner get back together you an use a lightbox "when he is around " and get a dawn simulator as a
"new type of alarm clock".I just completely hole up in the winter, luckily I am now retired (yippee)but my family, though sympathetic still can't understand why I don't want to socialise in the winter and dread the Christmas party season.My sister is convinced that it is all in the mind and thinksI shouldn't spenmd so m uch time analysing my feelings. Even when I told her that my doctor had referred my to the Dept of Psychiatry for assessment she still thought I was making a mountain out of a molehill.I have been assessed as having the most acute form of SAD but after the appointment and diagnosis nothing happened. I was put on Prozac (12 years ago now) and apart from that I haven't been offered anything. What do you have to do to get counselling?Does it help?

I have suffered from sad for 3 years now ever since I had surgery in Dec. but My problem is i don't sleep enough I have the symptoms of summer sad but in the winter. the gp can't understand it. I have a light box and use it when I can't get outside. Has anyone else have this problem.

good point about the water adam thanks I will try it. My tongue is always white a feels like chalk.

Lightbearer
So if god and Jesus cured your depression What are you doing posting on this site. This is a site for People who have SAD. That is totally different from having a sin problem. Mabe you should get the facts. I believe in God and Jesus and that can't cure my SAD.

There is also a Forum on this site for more chat, rants, support and advice on all SAD-related stuff! Not sure if everyone realises!

curlyperkins I to feel better after christmas. I think it is because you know the days are getting longer. Here in Canada you want support it is not easy to get. You end up waiting 3 months and the spring is here and you don't need it anymore. They just don't get it.

I feel worse in mid nov, dec, and part of jan. then the days start to get longer.

Hi. my names Misty. My boyfriend just suggested to me today that i might have SAD, because the last winter and this one i've hardly been outside, im just wanting to stay in bed all day. Constantly having headaches or feeling sick and not wanting any physical contact. I just let myself go and i hate it. Unfortunatly theres no way i can fork out for a lightbox. Are there any cheaper things that would work to help me battle this condition?

Marcus
It takes 2 years for the doctors to diagnose sad. You will have to be firm with your Doctor. Get your son out into the sunlight as much as possible.

Thanx guys. Thats really helped. Im gonna go see my doctor on friday and see what else he recommends coz i really hate feeling like this. And its affecting my relationship 2-i just get grumpy with him for no reason.
It feels a lot better being able to put a name to the way i feel.
Thanx again.

hi all well i cant believe how many people have joined this site with sad i was always sure there wasnt that many people around who had it its great to know we are not alone and we can all help one another . i have heard if u have a baby in the winter months u r more likely to develope sad and in my case that is true i had my daughter in march and i was born in october so we are both classed as winter babies maybe there is something in it?.

Hi all
Just jumped on here quickly before I go for a nap! It dawned on me today I may have SAD. Ever since I remember I always suffer with tiredness at this time of year and always thought it was down to my sleep apneao as I have nasal problems. However I have swift mood swings, no libido and just cant get anything done without a cup of coffee (Silly I know!) Im just so tired!! I keep doing pregnancy tests as I remember how tired I felt when I was pregnant before but Im not! No matter how early I go to bed, when I wake, Its like my heads been superglued to my pillow!!!
I look after my daughter during the day and work with a disabled child in the evenings and weekends so have to have the patience of a saint, which in the summer is easy, but now....no chance!!! I would love to get a light box but at this time of year, Im already skint with xmas coming. Im defo going to try the Johns Wort tea and Vit D pills though. Does napping help?
I was born November and my sister in september and Im sure she has it too.

great subject on the time of year that we are born at, as i myself was born in January and often wondered if this had anything to do with my sad, i am also amazed of how many people have joined this page, and i am also very thankfull of all the emails i have recieved with the same effects of SAD as myself, thanks a lot to all of you, i feel a lot more positive on the matter and feel relieved that i have not been cursed.. lol

Today im feeling really bad. Only just got up at quarter to 12 and i planned to get lots done today-even go to the doctors but i really cant be bothered. So instead im just curled up in bed thinking about going to sleep again. I hate feeling like this.

Misty, try to make sure you don't beat yourself up about not being able to get things done that you planned. I always give myself huge guilt trips whenever I get like that and it makes it even worse - just concentrate on the fact thatyou can still get up and do lots tomorrow instead.

good for you misty.

well done! I think its just making that first step! Im still managing the gym 3-4 times a week but I go on the way from dropping my daughter at school. I dont go home first or I wont get there! A friend of mine has MS and she is tired all the time. She went to a fatigue management course and they said not to be hard on yourself, if you cant get it done, dont worry, do it later! It will still be there later. I used to give myself a hard time if I didnt get the house work done but my husband said he rather I spent time with and sat and played with our daughter and we did the house together at the weekend. Im lucky that hes supportive that way.

I was interested to read about the fatigue management course and it occurred to me that maybe to NHS could help. They run an "Expert Patient" programme in a lot of Trusts
which enables people with chronic health problems to manage their health. I don't think it has to be a "specific" illness like diabetes, arthritis etc, but can be anything. Maybe we would lobby our local PCT Expert Patient progamme organisers and ask about SAD support.

The only reason I know about it is that I worked for the NHS for 20 years until last year and was involved in the receruitment for the course facilitators. Woorth a try?

Im so glad I found this website. I was feeling really pants the day I wrote my last post and reading what you guys recommended, I went and sat in my conservatory for half an hour as it was such a beautiful sunny day. Just feeling the sun on my face recharged my energy and made me feel so much better. If I hadnt have read any of this, I would have just curled up and slept on the sofa! thanks for the good advise peeps! ; )

blizzar is gone and the sun will shine today bright blue sky and the sun isn't even out yet.

hannah1989 I know how you feel. I wasn't crying but I didn't care if I opened any presents. We all hate suffering from sad but you just have to learn to live with it. SPRING is around the corner. Just Keep thinking that. It will be good for you.

Hi Everyone

Well at least Christmas Day is over - felt terrible all day but think it might be a bug as I feel sick and have cramps. Would have liked to stay in bed but at our daughter's and little grandson was up opening pressies at 8.00am. Had a call from my son holidaying in Portugal (21 degrees) should have gone there instead. At least when Christmas is over I know that the evenings are slowly getting lighter and can start the count-down. Hope the new year is better for you all,- it's really great to know that there are other people out there feeling like I do. At least you lnow that you are not completely neurotic.

i also have sads. i think i have it pretty bad. i feel ashamed and disappointed by almost everything relating to me and my actions. this week-the week after the winter equinox seems to be my worst week.ive had it for 3 yrs. does ne1 else find this week is the worst?


ps-try cod liver oil- i take 3 times the recommended dose (6 a day)-it helps with a light box

Oh my God! I'm shredding tears now. I didn't know that I have suffered from SAD. I broke up with my boyfriend last December and kept blaming his bad. Things weren't wrong but just my feeling wasn't right.

After reading all your messages, I have noticed that I have got similar simptoms every winter. I hate myself, think negatively, want to be alone, can't communicate. I'm nervouse, paraniod and crying very often. I will to do some exercise and see if it helps.

For those who can't sleep during the night, try to do some meditation. It will take you some time to put yourself into the steady state of mind but it works for me.

I was diagnosed 10 years ago with SAD after years of struggling with depression in the winter months. I lost friends at work, who were disgusted with my absense over the festive period, I work in nursing. No-one had any sympathy, and unless they have had depression themselves, were totally lacking in understanding. I have found that explaining doesn't help much, as those who don't suffer really cannot understand. I am on antidpressants year round, increased at the start of winter, and have had a light box for 3 years now. B what helps me the most is a holiday in the sun, I go tot th canary isles to get some sunshine at the start of winter, and again before spring. I am considering a permanent move simply because of how bad i feel in winter...I dread the clacks going back and know half of me goes to hibernate. This winter, so far, I have had bronchitis twice and a bout of food poisoning...lowered immune system not coping. I really think getting more sun is the main answer, for depression, and general health. It's good to know I am not alone, as this is such a lonely condition by it's very nature.

hey
guess part of the problem is admitting there's something 'clinical' wrong with us... is for me anyway. Feelin pretty destroyed by now as it's end of december. think gonna go and buy some yellow paint for my bedroom.
;-) are the light lamps really useful? i can't afford to fork out £100 odd on a lamp that MIGHT make me feel better... are there cheaper ones?
spent my first 8yrs of life in a warm sunny bright country and moved to the UK as a kid - was wondering if that might make me a little more susceptible... does anyone have similar experiences of immigrating from a constantly warm and bright climate to one with dark to bright seasonal changes?
So sick of this rollercoaster if can't fix it seriously considering headin somewhere warm permanently, but don't want to move so far from my family.
maybe it'll all make sense in summer again.
bless
J

I lived in Asia for 17 years and have been back in UK for 10 and have been miserable without realising it - until this winter when things got really bad - started AD's today and have a lamp which does make me feel a bit better but I'm all over the place starts around the time clocks change and get manic and happy when the daffodils start popping up! Christmas was a disaster although I put on a brave face for the photos - still haven't properly appreaciated my presents they are still in a pile on the floor behing the sofa!!!

hi all i am glad its not just me i have suffered for 10 years and never tried the light box i have tried to fight it this year and got up until now without any help and it got me again so i am facing up to the fact i suffer every year and am now on prozac again i think i will invest in a light box as i am so fed up with feeling this way but prozac does help

I don't think when you were born has anything to do with sad.

I am born October.

hey there, my girlfriend suffers from clinical depression and im wondering if anyone would know that if she had S.A.D would this be agitated by her ongoing depression and vice vera??

This would really help as she has changed so much during the winter months and after reading this article i think that it may hold an answear!!!

ryan, also you can contact me on my email ryanculley@hotmail.com,

thanks!

hi, I am a sad sufferer hav been for a number of years i am 50 should have it worked out by naw !!I can say that a light box helps a lot also going on walks,even if you don,t feel like it at the time make yourself go,also go out and mix with people ,because if you spend time on your own you will get worse.

Hi, I am so glad to find this website and read all your comments. I have had 3 colds since September and have felt so tired that today I had 3 naps, all unexpected, i.e. I just fell asleep. I moved in the summer and asked my ex-neighbours round at the end of August, I still have not had them round as I don't feel like socialising and the house has become a mess because I don't feel like doing anything. In the summer you can't keep me still, but in the winter I just want to sleep, like others though, I find myself up late, crying. I cry at the slightest thing and find it really difficult to talk to anyone I don't know very well. Yes, I think I must have SAD, but feel a bit stupid going to the Dr about it, and admitting my depressed feelings. Must do it though. Are there any other natural helpers, besides St John's Wort? Took that last year because fed up and ended up with palpitations and anxiety, I linked that with the tablets, now realise it was probably the SAD. Sorry, I have been rambling, so good to talk to people who understand!

My mother has depression, my father had very serious depression, both my sisters have depression. I always hoped that i had evaded the illness. But im 21, and i have read all your comments, and finally accepted that, maybe i am a depressant too. Reading all the symptoms and comments made me feel more comfortable and at ease than i have in several months. My boyfriend thinks it is just a state of mind, and it drives me crazy that he cannot accept that i can not just 'snap' out of it. So now....what do i do...ive taken the first step to admit i have a problem, shall i use sunbeds to see if they make me feel better? go on holiday? and see what the changes are first or go to the doctor straight away?

This is the first year tat I've been able to work in the Winter,and I've been doing really well up til now. But today I've spent most of my day sitting in the lab on my own staring into space and hoping my boss doesn't notice I'm not doing anything! Just hope I can get through the rest of the day without bursting into tears or shouting at someone...

I like this one

Johnny really doesn't have a clue about SAD. It is a true physical disorder. I'm 60 and have had it since I was in high school. Light, anti-depressants, food, exercise, nothing has worked. What has worked best is sitting on the landing of my staircase in full sunlight on the days there is sunlight. I just keep telling my self by April the days will be longer. You can imagine the shape I'm in by March. No one else in my family understands SAD and I'm just a teeny bit tired of people saying "just think positive".

Hello every one I have recently come to terms with having SAD I have made the conection to playing computer games alot recently over the last year or so mostly in a dimly lite room with no direct sun light. It all started to take effect when we moved house we moved from a well lite 4 bed room house with and east facing view with no sun light restrictions to a bungelow north facing some of the rooms never see any sun light so you may want to take a look at your living quaters to see how a sudden change may of brought SAD on. But I can se a direct link between SAD and computer gaming when speaking to fellow gamers over the inter net.

Hello Everyone,
God Bless you all, I really feel for you all and understand all your comments. I Live in the U.K. and have suffered for years, however,it is only in the last two that I have received treatment. This is Prozac and seems to help me through and gives me a little bit of hope. I find that exercise is also a good help ,swimming, bike riding or even walking in forests.- Exercise helps you to want to eat,sleep etc. I know it can be hard to motivate yourself towards exercise sometimes , but its helps. Really,try it.
The last couple of days in the U.K.(Essex) has been sunny and I have been feeing 'on top of the world' today(I went for a bike ride),I hope this continues ,as I feel at last after many months my s.a.d. could be at an end for this year.
May the sunshine come to you all soon!
Good luck!
Please feel free to contact me...
Nick Johnson
nickwisp@yahoo.co.uk

I am Eighty years old and for the past Thirteen years have woken to a powerful light box. Being diagnosed with Macular degeneration Three weeks ago I ceased using my light and within Seven days I was diagnosed with depression and felt most unwell. For the past Three days I have used my light and register a remarkable improvement.

Hi I am 34 years old and have suffered from depression for 10 years but have noticed a pattern that it's comes on around now and lasts a few months, do you think it could be SAD? the symtoms are the same, I thought it could be post christmas blues but apart from that there is no reason for me to get depressed.
I would appreciate your opinions.

Hi Tracey,

I agree with justme. Also, it does come at different times of the season to different people. A lot of the people on this site have said that they have it worse before the shortest day, then start getting beter from then onwards. I seem to manage to get away with milder symptoms until christmas, then get worse in january and february (I think by this point I'm really sick of the winter and have forgotten what spring or summer feel like). So it could be that you have a similar pattern to mine. One thing about SAD once you've realised the cause is atleast you know that there is a cut off point. I went through two suicide attempts in the time I thought it was generalised depression, but now that I understand my disorder I find it a lot easier.

I was quite lucky with my family as my grandmother and cousin both have it aswell, but it's still hard for them to understand. My friends don't really get it at all. I think it's something wich is extremely ard for people to understand because it doesn't really seem to havea 'reason' like other forms of depression, so you may have to be patient with them. If I were you I may actually show them the comments on this site, I think it may help if they see so many other people who are experiencing the same things as you, it will makeit more real to them. Good luck :)

hi all for the last 4 years ive got depressed ill and gone in to my shell big time feel im half the guy i use to be in the summer ill bounce round night and day and be happy as! car shows ill be hyper in spring and just before the winter comes, i thought i was bahumbug at just 21 but by looking at the symptons ive got mayb 8 of the 10 ive seen i cant afford a light box as my parents think im mad what can i do? i live in the uk by the way! its even got me so down im selling my pride and joy car to get a new one to cheer me up!

Wasteland--

I have had SAD since I was about eleven, as far as I can tell. I had a complete breakdown my senior year of high school, and essentially ceased to function for 5 or 6 months; that's when I figured out what was going on.

Anyway, I've been through the absolute worst, but it isn't like that every year, especially since I now try to take measures to counteract the effects (even if it's just allowing myself to be crazy and not becoming frustrated over it).

For me, one of the hardest parts is dealing with the wide range of effects -- for me, weight gain, lethargy, anti-social behavior, inability to complete everyday tasks in a reasonable amount of time, increased sleeping -- when they are not 100% apparent.

In the years that you are good enough to "get by," people seem more skeptical about any attempt to explain the symptoms. I try to say that I'm just not in a social mood, or that I don't feel comfortable talking to new people at the moment, and they find it hard to believe that someone who is reasonably functional can be affected so much "because it's dark." The rather wide range of effects of SAD -- from the inability to concentrate and get work done to the burning cravings for carbohydrates -- seems to make people think that SAD is a cop-out of some kind.

Of course this is extremely hurtful and hard to handle for me, because while I may be surviving now, I know how much this disorder is capable of destroying your life. Depression is always hard (impossible is mre like it) to explain to those who haven't dealt with it, but SAD seems to be taken less seriously.

I think there should be more of a distinction between "the winter blahs" and SAD.

There are so many people on here with stories and experiences of SAD and i guess i came on here to try get some answers.
Im a 17 year old girl and i have a feeling i have SAD. I know my dad has it so thats what made me research more into it. I hate winter, i feel so depressed.. apart from those odd days when the sky is blue and the sun is shining when i feel so happy inside.I feel so miserable at college at the moment, dark mornings and evenings, struggle to communicate with people, never go out other than college or work and sit in my room each evenings on my laptop or watching tv. I crave carbohydrates so much, it was only the other evening i had to walk the shop to buy a loaf of bread (ended up eating half of it)and some crisps. I cry some evenings for no reason and i hate it because i know its not really me. My college tutor has noticed a differnce in me the past few months since i started in September.. since the first week of college i got sun burnt!
I only think i have SAD as like i said, the days when the sun is shining and there is not a cloud in the sky, i feel so confident about life and myself.
If anybody else is experiencing things like this id be glad to know =]]
Thanks, Steph

hi all i have been on this page before about my sad and after reading what everyone was saying i did at one point start to doubt whether or not i actually had sad!but them i thought well we cant all have the same symptoms all the time we will all be different i myself suffer all the usual symptoms but also lots of stomache upsets etc and yesterday i came across a article that says we have 95% of seratonin in our bowels so that to me explains why i have so many stomache problems does anyone else suffer in this way? i would also be happy to help with the media campaign if i can be of any use . Also with reguards about when u were born i think i might have said it wrong on the previous comments i meant to say that i read in a book that having a winter baby could trigger off sad.

I've lived with SAD for all of my adult life (now 54). I was aware of depression on and off since moving to New England from California when I was 30.... and just kind of accepted that this was just the way it was. It wasn't debilitating for me, I had a good family life, moved forward and advanced in my career as a broadcast television documentary filmmaker. But I did notice that winters were just awful. I found myself (almost subconsciously) dragging my chair to the window to bath in the sunlight. When I went on vacations to warm climes, I just CRAVED the sun.... almost physically.

In the meantime, it was difficult, I often couldn't cope socially, was often irritable, definitely binged on carbohydrates, and was.... well, depressed.

After about ten years in this mode, it all turned around. In the early 1980's I came across stories about winter blues in the news. When they ticked off the symptoms it became clear to me, that they were perfectly describing the way I felt. Hmmm?, Then it just so happened that we filmed a story for television on this phenomenon, which was pretty newly being discussed at that point. I ended up going to clinics and talking to doctors and other testimonials... all indicating the effectiveness of light therapy. And it seemed that it was all very legit. I read Rosenthal's wonderful book "Winter Blues", and decided to give it a try. Being a complete skeptic, I just couldn't believe that sitting under lights would actually do anything. Was this some sort of hocus-pocus? So I built my own light box that put out 10,000 lux and gave it a go.

Well after several weeks, there did seem to be a difference... but I was still skeptical. So I went off the lights.... that's when I really "knew" concretely for the first time. Within days it was if someone had poured molasses over my brain... I could literally feel myself sinking. So I went on and off the lights a few more times just to confirm because I still couldn't believe it... and low and behold it absolutely worked for me. Each time I went off the lights I would sink, and each time back on, after awhile my mood would elevate. It wasn't that it made me "happy" or "peppy" or anything... its just that it took out the bottom sort of low grade grinding depressed feelings I had.

I bought a professional light box... and have been using it during the winter months for I would say the past 15 years or so. I can say without doubt it has changed my life. Now when October rolls around, I can almost pinpoint the moment the depressed "feeling" starts to appear. It is unmistakable and almost physical... in the same way that a scratchy throat might indicate an oncoming cold, this feeling is clear as a bell to me. That is because through trial and error, I have really come to identify it for what it is, and have total control over it now with the light therapy.

It used to be that I sort of dreaded this time of year. Now, I acknowledge when it starts to creep in, but I have nothing attached to it... it just is, and I have an effective remedy. For me about 20 minutes a day does the trick.

It has been a completely liberating and postive force in my life. I encourage people on this site to check it out, doing it consistently and according to direction. I think you need the right level of light, and you need to be very consistent about it.

Now, having said all that, the reason I am on this site at all is that I am investigating Cod Liver Oil as another possible remedy. My daughter and I have discovered that she may also experience SAD. She has discovered, at least for the moment, that she is really having good results taking a daily Cod Liver Oil pill. She is not using lights. Has anyone else here had any experience with this?

thanks,
david

Hi-my son (12 years) suffers with this, I bellieve. The weird thing is that we live in South Florida, perpetual summer. But, I did find a website that mentioned that it happens anywhere, even in the summer, depending on where you are geographically compared to the sun. I don't see anyone mentioning 5-HTP. It's a form of tryptophan that you can buy at the health food store. It stimulates the production of melatonin and seratonin and has absolutely no side effects. My son takaes it at night and it is great except for the darkest days, like today. So-here are my questions. 1)Is there medication specifically for this? For children? We bought a light at Sharper Image and it does nothing for him. 2) This seems to last 6 months for him. Does that make sense? Thanks-I am so worried about my son and would like to figure this out before he becomes a depressed adolescent.

Hi lornylu

Your compulsion to get away from people is not uncommon. Social withdrawal is a known part of SAD. I find that now I have told some of my friends, they understand why I do not want to go out places in the winter. I try to makw up for it in the sumer months.

Craving carbohydrates is also a symptom.

Good luck

Hi everyone,

I've just discovered this website and this forum.

I'm 66 years old and a few years ago, realising that I was suffering from SAD, I invested in a light visor which worked wonders.

3 years ago I moved to St Lucia, West Indies and felt certain that the SAD would disappear but it hasn't. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't wall-to wall sunshine 365 days of the year here, during the rainy season (officially June-December but getting longer every year) it is cloudy and overcast a lot of the time.

During the whole of this February we have had about 6 really sunny days and I am beginning to feel the way I used to feel in the UK.

I work as an online counsellor, so even when it's sunny outside I'm sat in front of the computer most of the time, which doesn't help!

I'm going back to the UK for a visit later this year and plan to buy a light visor to bring back with me.

So if anyone lives in a warm climate and thinks they can't possibly suffer from SAD, think again. I've had this for so many years that I know what it feels like. It depends on the amount of sunlight, not the temperature!

Good luck and encouragement to all new light therapy users!

Sue W

thank you - to each and every single one of you....the words on this forum have been like a hug from an old friend. For over 10 years I have lived with 'seasonal' (I prefer to call it that instead of SAD) and felt so alone - wondering if the symptoms were in my head...and I just need to 'get over myself'...trying to explain to friends and family ...ugh! It seems if you don't have it - you just don't understand it!!! So again my heartfelt thanks to each of you for articulating my feelings for the past 10 years. You are all champions!

Just one more comment. I went to see a doctor 2 years ago telling him i was feeling depress winter after winter and hoping he can figure out what was my problem. Here is what i got. "Oh you feel depress, want some pills, hera a prescription for you." That scare the shit out of me, how can i really get help. I think this forum is more usefull than a doctor sometime.

Hi Ti-Bios,

I agree with sunshine about the meds. It took me a little while to find one which suited me but I have now, so I take Cipralex from about November until March (strangely I've found that Cipramil isn't good for me - so even if they have the same active ingredient it is worth trying different ones). I totally understand the problem with school work. Throughout my degree I was certain I would end up failing because I could hardly do any work in the winter. I did manage it in the end, but it was a huge push from March to May!
Last year I was doing my MSc and didn't want to have the same stress about winter work as I had before so I went to the department and told them exactly what my situation was. They were incredibly helpful and gave me indefinite extensions which helped so much. So my advice would definitely be not to suffer in silence! Find another doctor, as sunshine said, and if you feel that you're not on top of your work then be honest with your tutors. Afterall, this is a real and debilitating illness - if you had a physical injury which had prevented you from working then it would be taken into account. Also if your tutors aren't as sympathetic as they should be then talk to a disability team at your college and they should certainly help. Very best of luck to you, hang in there.

Thanks to you folks. It's true that i try to deny my illness. It's because my brother is affected with bi-polar problem and after 1 year of medication he still unstable, it scare me to accept the fact that i have a similar problem. I'll take your advice and find a good doc for next year, since april is coming anyway. I took st John's Wort at the beginning of the winter and it help so i'll finish the winter with that.

Take care :)

Has anyone here ever heard of Bright Eyes, the stage name of Conor Oberst, a singer-songwriter from Omaha.

I've listened to this boy for years and years, and while I don't know exactly what he's afflicted with that inspires his music, there are a number of songs that I really relate to.

I think when I first heard "If Winter Ends," it helped me immensely for the same reason this site is useful -- I didn't feel like I was so "crazy," i.e. I wasn't the only one feeling that way.

While these songs may seem too dramatic for some, I think that being able to relate to and understand the feelings being expressed make them very poignant for people in our situation.

Some that I particuarly relate to:
If Winter Ends
Sunrise, Sunset
A Line Allows Progress, A Circle Does Not
Something Vague


Are there songs or works of art that make you feel a bit less crazy?

hi Charlotte...
two of the symptoms you described "tired and unmotivated" pretty much sum up 'seasonal'...different people are affected to different degree's. However after saying that, this winter has been brutal - people who haven't been formally diagnosed with it ... are showing symptoms!!!
Like I said -this winter has been my worst in years!!!
good luck!!!

Hi everybody. Whether I have SAD or not, I don't know, but I certainly experience a worsening of my generally depressive mood from Jan through Mar.

I was diagnosed with clinical depression 10 years ago and have been on various drugs in that time mostly in the early years of the illness. About 8 years ago I was given venlafaxine which has certainly helped but not cured my problems. Venlafaxine is more than merely a Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor (SSRI) but that is it's main purpose. I now also take Tryptophan which helps the SSRI to work more effectively. On top of that I now attend a psychotherapy group once a week which is very helpful. It allows you to see, first hand, that you are not alone with your problems.

I was very lucky to find a sympathetic doctor who helped me enormously, and referred me to a psychiatrist who 'officially' diagnosed my depression. This was ultimately very useful when I eventually applied for early retirement on grounds of my illness. I was 53 then and am now 60. I'm surprised at the number of people here who say they are on prozac. That is a first generation SSRI which has long ago been superseded by better and more effective SSRI drugs.

The purpose of me contributing here is that I've just been given a lightbox and hope that this will help lift my mood. At the moment my life is just one continuous drag. My sleeping patterns are all over the place, I find it very difficult to motivate myself to do anything, even those things I'm interested in. I had been attending the gym for the last year but never found it easy and have now resigned my membership. For those that advocate it, please realise that excercise is not the answer for everybody, so no preaching please. I am also a golfer of over 30 years and at one time couldn't get out often enough. It has now become more of a chore, much like most other things in my life. This is always more pronounced towards the last few months of the winter. A contributing factor is that I've recently moved house and joined another golf club. Like many others here, meeting with other people, particularly strangers, has always been a problem for me so I find it even more difficult to get on the course unless I just go myself, which is not a lot of fun. The proverbial rock and hard place.

As I now live by myself it's very easy to just stay in, listen to my music, watch TV, play with my computers, all of which doesn't help me get out and mix with other people, which is essential if I'm to see any improvement in my mental health.

Thankfully, believe it or not, I'm an optimistic person with a great sense of humour, otherwise I doubt I'd still be here. I've certainly never considered suicide myself but fully understand what can drive someone to such despair. Personally I could never do that to my daughter whom I love dearly, but sadly it was not enough for one of our group members last year.

Hope fully this account of my mine will help others. Should anyone want to contact me, let me know and I will give you my email address.

Cheers, Dave.

Hi guys.
I could write pages and pages about my story and how I feel but I wouldn't want to bore you.
When I read Mike's account I was amazed as his story is exactly the same as mine.
I've wandered since 2006 if I have SAD or not as i have all the symptoms (during the winter months obviously) apart from a reduced sex drive. I have considered seeing a doctor to see if he'll diagnose me (I and people I've spoken to are certain I have it) but am scared that even if it isn't SAD that he may put me on anti depressants. I was just wandering if anyone here on them could say what they're like, as the only accounts I've had from users so far have been negative.
As I'm sure sufferers everywhere are I'm fed up of being the total opposite to my real self - bright, energy filled and care free - for no apparant reason for half the year.
If anyone could give me any advice or give me information on what anti depressants are like (or any other methods they've tried and what they're like for that matter) it would be greatly appreciated.
p.s.
The other thing is even on the rare days when you do feel awake (like today as the sun's been out) that the world seems hazy and your body seems really slow to react, like being stoned or something? Just wandered if I'm the only one
Anyway, glad I found this page, like I said any comments, info or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading hope the summer comes on quickly for all of us

i was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome 3 yrs ago, but am now beginning to think I was misdiagnosed as my symptons pretty much vanish as soon as the sun comes out. This weekend for example I have been fine, done most of the week and have not needed my 'naps'. My usual weekends consist of me catching up and recharing for the week ahead. The symptom listed which I don't have is the depression but I am already on 20mg paroxetine. Should I try a light
box? I may be clutching at straws as I graduate next year and so want to be able to work but a the moment this just isn't possible

Is this the longest thread in history or what,lol. Anyhow, I notice that everyone spoke about SAD, but, no one gave specific locations that we could go to in the fall and winter. I not only like the sun but also temperate climate and stuff to do. I have been weighing my options. People often say florida during the fall and winter is nice. However, does the sun shine for long during those months? I need consistency, temperate and things to do. I am looking for a place outside the US that is that cheap paradise we all dream about. Live on the beach play sports as if in california and enjoy opulence where the US dollar is strong.

Hi has anyone had symptoms already this year? Have had SAD for 19 years now since I was 21, don't ever remember symptoms in August before - using light box already and usual paroxetine.

I'm tryin to convince myself I am looking forward to winter but I really am not and I know what you mean about feeling blue already - but it's hardly suprising is it - seeing as we are still waiting for &^%ing summer to arrive! Sorry! :-(

hi, not sure if i have SAD, i have been diagnosed with CFS and i am very sensitive to the sun light. what are the main symptoms of SAD?

Hi everyone id just like to say that i myself have already started using my lightbox as we don seem to have had much of a summer and im aware its going to feel like a really long winter ive already noticed the darker evening drawing in so to me thats the start i try to be positive as much as i can as i work for myself in the cleaning business i make sure that all the prperties i go to i put all the lights on, i find this helps as when its dark it makes me feel miserable.I noticed as i was reading through someone said about taking anti-deppressant and they had heard nothing but bad reports well im here to say im very glad ive got mine (prozac) they have been a life line to me i hated taking them at first but now i realise they help me with my sad and i wouldnt have the quality of life i have now if it wasn't for them.I do hope that if anyone has any question to as they feel they can on this sight as i also feel this could be a life line to a lot of people who are discovering they have sad or people like me who have had it for yrs. suex

Hi there,
Since there have been a few more posts here recently I thought I would just let you know that there is actually a fab forum on this site for the discussion of all things SAD. You are all registered anyway so you're welcome to join in. Only mention it because this thread is getting a bit out of hand and we might have to prune it soon!

Over the past week or so, I have become extremely tired for no apparent reason. Nothing has changed. I have always noticed I am extremely tired when it rains or is darker or overcast out. Do you think I could affected by any changes this early? My husband reminded me that fall officially started, but it doesn't seem like the days are really bad enough yet.

hi all i am so glad i stubbled upon this site. it feels so good to find people who understand how i feel. for the past 3 years i have become depressed in the winter. i can't sleep at night and then i dont want to get out of bed in the morning. i miss classes and dont do homework. i get angry and moody with my boyfriend, family, and friends for no reason sometimes and at times i just feel like crying. i dont understand this because i love many things about winter...thanksgiving, christmas, and skiing but even with that i cant help but feel depressed and withdrawn its like those things keep me distracted for a short period of time. i hate that i feel awesome all spring and summer and then september comes

I get this every year around this time i feel so depressed its not even funny i get home from work and i wait for 10PM so i can just sleep and hope i will feel better in the morning as everyone else has said i feel FINE in the spring summer months.

Its really starting to ruin my life im so grumpy around friends just dont wan't to talk, and its making me extremely paranoid (even more than usually)

I want a light box but they are so damn expensive! Wheres the NHS support?

Hello . Im 16 years old and i think i suffer from SAD or winter blues im sure you all know that this was very hard for me begin this age and not having any idea what was happing to me but this information has help alot and it has giving me an answer to why im feeling thsi way it November and it just started so . I DO NOT WANT TO GO ON MEDICATION but i would like to do somethings to help with my moods. So i'll try walking and light but , know anything else that will help with this

hi all, just been reading all comments,and im 44 years ive sufferd sad for about 15 years, so i know what your all going though,ive had prozac for years on and off, and i will never take again they made me think i was going mad,ive had a light box for 6 years, and i carnt be without it, its great its part of liveing room lol, on all the time the other thing i think as help me is propanol 2 per day, i think im over sad now just silight symtoms, hope this helps dave

Hi Queinie,

could you tell us what the homeopath has recommended? I think there are a lot of us who would really appreciate some advice on alternatives to medication,

Thanks, Rhiannon

Hey
First timer here raining for three days now and I.m going crazy same way I have since 1963 when I moved to the coast of Vancouver BC. I feel so bad I don't want to be around people I go for walks everyday but little seems to help. The only thing that helps me is sunshine. I have gave up jobs relationships everything to go to Mexico is the only cure. Some years it has started as early as Sept.1. I drive everyone around me crzy all they can say is leave because they know it helps me to be in the sun, then the guilt feeling sets in. This was the year that I was going to stay at home no matter what, that is until the rain came and dull days. I'm glad I found this site I really don't think people know what we really go through with sads. I'm 62 and have had this every winter for 45 years or more. I tried living in different places, the only place that seems to help is to be up high where you can see out, that seams to relieve it a bit.
Any way thanks for all your letters, I'm going to check on this site everyday, helps to talk about it.
Brew

Iforgot to mention that I am also taking a multi-vitamin that is high in mood elevating vitamins and minerals ie B1 B2 B6 Folic acid and B12. The homeopath iI consulted suggested these. If you Google Levity Formula you will find info on these vitamins and minerals. Something is working for me. It has been raining and dreary here for two days and yet I feel really UP!!! If only I knew what it is that's working.
Don't really care. I'm just on a mission to have the BEST WINTER EVER!!!! Q

Does anyone have any tips on how I can tell my now ex boyfriend I think he suffers from S.A.D? He just recently left me again and while going through my diary have noticed I've written about patterns in his behaviour in winter. We were together for almost 3 years and every year this time of year he has had changes in his moods and behaviour and made moves to end our relationship saying that he can't cope and he's not good enough for me. I've looked into this and other odd behaviours he's been showing in winter fit in with the sypmtoms I've read about like not wanting to go out anywhere or see the lads. I really think he may be suffering from S.A.D but don't know how to suggest this to him. Any ideas?

SAD lamps work!!!

Light Therapy is one of the most under utilized techniques to Feel Happier during the Winter months.

You are like a plant. You need light to THRIVE.

Peace,
Adrian
ThriveFeelALIVE.tv

Hi, This is a reply to Stokebird 14 Nov. It does sound like you have SAD. If you have noticed considerable changes in your mood during winter months, even before your mum died, you more than likely have SAD. Remember you do have people to talk to. I would advise you speaking to the university doctor and also insist you speak to one of the university counsellors or psychotherapists. CBT(Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)works very well in cases of SAD. It helps to reprogramme negative thoughts into positive ones through simple techniques. Also look into getting a lightbox. I have SAD and have been using a lightbox and my mood has increased significantly. I can feel happy again, I have clear thoughts, I feel confident and good about myself. Also find out if there are any support groups at your uni or maybe you could be the first to start one up. This is an important year for you and the more help you can get for yourself the more clear and focussed time you will have for your studies. I remember being just like you when I was at uni and I wish someone had been there to give me that advice so I could have acted upon it. Good luck and keep us all posted.