Anybody else having a really bad week?

Argghhh!This week has been bad,had no time to go on the lightbox,starting to feel really anxious almost overwhelmed by anything and everything!I've been off meds since April(prozac)don't really want to go back on them but I feel really bad at the moment,fell like I could burst into tears!!!

I'm having a crap week too Hadrian. Went to the docs on Friday and picked up a script for my meds. Not got them from the chemist yet but think I might have to. I am feeling very fragile and weepy and can't get any quality sleep at all, irritated by everyone and everything. Feel I can't cope with even the smallest of things (ask Purple about the mouse lol) it's sh**e mate. Thinking of you xx

lol sorry hun, should I abreviate it to PI or just give you your full title..... do you think we will get arrested sitting in M&S with a full fat latte and a packet of pills lol.....they may think we are drug dealers pretending to be middle class ladies who lunch!!! Best go for the skinny latte instead........

Slept like a baby last night. Sitting with my lamp now, should be getting ready for work though.

Hi All,
In a word, YES, I'm having a crap week too.
The lightbox is sitting on my desk at work and I'm only on day 2 so I can't yet tell if it's working. Having about 2-3 hours per day so far, so I can increase it if it doesn't appear to be working.
I am also experiencing the totally tired and always sleepy thing. It's like I want to hibernate and wake up in March to see the daffodils and crocuses. Maybe I was a bear in a past life! It's not through lack of sleep either - I need a good 8 hours per night or I can't function properly.
Incidentally, I too am trying not to go back on meds this winter. Been on Citalopram for SAD and anxiety for about 3 years until this June, when I finally weaned myself off. It's nice to be drug-free, so I'm just trying to arm myself with as many natural 'weapons' as I can before I have to go down the 'last resort' option.
Good luck to you,
Mrs Stan

Thanks Ivy!! Yes it was on my late summer hol in Greece hoping to top me up with Vit D etc with the sun.....It rained most days lol and was sunny here!!

Hi Mrs stan, I have been having a poor week as well, Ive been so stressed some days, I have been unable to concentrate on anything. I hope your lightbox starts to do you some good soon.

Take care

Paul

I'm sorry for those of you having a bad time. I've been having my ups and downs. Yesterday was a downer, but tonight I managed to cook a meal and prep for another one tomorrow so that's a rare accomplishment for me. With the fibromyalgia, everything is such an extra effort.

Our weather is starting to turn cold and that makes me quite unhappy. I wish I could come home and sit in a sauna or something. I get a chill in me that I can't seem to get out, and it really worsens the depression. Apparently, I have Raynaud's phenomenon (cold fingers and toes due to vascular constriction). I started having troubles like that since I was on blood pressure meds about four years ago.

So, winter does all sorts of bad stuff for me -- triggers my SAD, increases my aches and pain from the fibromyalgia & arthritis, and the cold actually causes me terrible physical discomfort.

My-oh-my do I sound whiny. I'm trying to think "warm" thoughts. I think I'm going to crawl under the covers as soon as I see what else has been going on in the forum lately!

Hi Hadrian, (love your choice of avatar btw). I don't know if I have SAD. It just occured to me over the last few days that it could be the problem. I hate the evenings now, I always feel so miserable. I look back at the pattern of my relationships now and I can see that I was always with someone through the winter months and then broke up with them at the end of spring.

Donna, thank you for your nice note. I am on mobic, flexeril and tylenol for the pain and spasms. I usually don't have bad pain as long as I don't over-exert myself. I am waiting to see what the rest of the winter will be like.

I take 25-50mg trazodone (and 10-20mg flexeril) to help me sleep at night. Both are sedating.

I keep worrying about the SAD AND fibromyalgia, but I think what I'm forgetting is that I've had fibromyalgia for at least three years without being treated. Now that I'm being treated, it's bound to be a better year than when I didn't know what was wrong with me.

I have been thinking of trying Cymbalta. It's supposed to help with reducing pain (by adjusting norephinephrine), but I don't know if maybe I should leave well-enough alone. I'm doing OK. It may also help with SAD.

How are you managing this week?

Hi Sarah,
Sorry to hear that you are feleing this way. People with SAD may experience anxiety and panic attacks which they may not experience other times of the year. I personally get anxiety/ panic attacks every winter due to having SAD. I'm no Doctor but it maybe that you are feeling worse this time of the year due to having SAD?? It is worth seeing your GP. I went yesterday to see my GP and he has started me on Citalopram. This is the first time I have tried AD for my SAD as I feel I cannot struggle through another winter!

All the symptoms you mentioned above are also the symptoms people get with SAD so please do go to see your GP for some help. Be kind to yourself. I wish I went years ago! If you do have SAD, people find different things which may relieve the symptoms. Some find a lightbox, herbal tablets or AD help. We are all different so its finding whats best for you.

Glad you are doing ok Amalthea. I hope this contines well throughout the winter. I am ok too but felt a bit panicky since yesterday but have started my AD last night so fingers crossed. Tell you what, I slept very well last night, feel kind of calm like when I have taken Nytol lol!!! They do make me sleepy he he!!

i heard in norway their health insurance pays for a 2 week trip to a tropical place because SAD is very bad their because of being at 60 -65N