When does SAD kick in (9 Sep 01) 14messages

Topic: When does SAD kick in
posted by Karl on 2001-09-09 15:47:09




Hi,

I'm interested in when SAD kicks in for people and what affects the time it starts.

In my own expreience, my symptoms start early October. However, this year they have started early, i.e. early September.

I know stress is a major factor, I had 3 deaths in the family - late July and early August.

Also I went on holiday, hoping for some relief. I went to Scotland for the last 2 weeks of August. Although it is really beautiful, and the people are very friendly, it was overcast and rained for 10 out of the 14 days. The locals told me this was exceptionally bad - so I plan to return next year.

Anyway, has anyone else had a similar experience. That is, their symptoms starting 4 weeks earlier than normal. And if so, did the normal light box treatment do the trick?

Thanks in anticipation.

Karl



Debbie

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in
posted by Debbie on 2001-09-10 14:42:22








Hi Karl,

I've only suffered badly with SAD the last two years although I used to have episodes as a child and teenager. Last year it started in October and I'm starting to feel a few symptoms now in early September - I thought it was only me!

I haven't tried lightbox treatment yet but am going to have a go with the visor.

I think its quite natural to feel a bit fed up anyway at the end of summer, and if you are a SAD sufferer you automatically start to worry because you think it will come back again. The worst bit though is the feeling that you are feeling like it on your own.

Hope this helps, Karl, and let us know if the lightbox treatment makes you feel better.

Debbie


Debbie

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in
posted by Debbie on 2001-09-10 14:42:22







Hi Karl,

I've only suffered badly with SAD the last two years although I used to have episodes as a child and teenager. Last year it started in October and I'm starting to feel a few symptoms now in early September - I thought it was only me!

I haven't tried lightbox treatment yet but am going to have a go with the visor.

I think its quite natural to feel a bit fed up anyway at the end of summer, and if you are a SAD sufferer you automatically start to worry because you think it will come back again. The worst bit though is the feeling that you are feeling like it on your own.

Hope this helps, Karl, and let us know if the lightbox treatment makes you feel better.

Debbie


Debbie

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in
posted by Debbie on 2001-09-10 14:42:53







Hi Karl,

I've only suffered badly with SAD the last two years although I used to have episodes as a child and teenager. Last year it started in October and I'm starting to feel a few symptoms now in early September - I thought it was only me!

I haven't tried lightbox treatment yet but am going to have a go with the visor.

I think its quite natural to feel a bit fed up anyway at the end of summer, and if you are a SAD sufferer you automatically start to worry because you think it will come back again. The worst bit though is the feeling that you are feeling like it on your own.

Hope this helps, Karl, and let us know if the lightbox treatment makes you feel better.

Debbie


Karl

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in
posted by Karl on 2001-09-22 03:22:43







Hi All,

Just to let you know a combination of St. Johns Wort and light box treatment have helped. In fact Im now making the classic mistake of backing off the tretment. Its silly I know, because as always, I'll begin to feel I need it again soon.

But anyway its great to be feeling better.

To you folks who are wondering if a Light Box works, well, I can only speak for myslef and a couple of friends, and we find they work very well.

Cheers,

Karl


Deborah

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in
posted by Deborah on 2001-10-01 04:19:43







I've suffered increasingly over the last few years. It usually starts during October but I was quite shocked this year to find that it hit me suddenly and really badly mid September - perhaps because the weather seemed to change suddenly?

I'm on St John's Wort (mild effect at best)and planning to get a lightbox.


Paul

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in
posted by Paul on 2001-10-02 04:38:57







Hi, Karl.

It's great to have a forum like this because there are times when you feel so isolated. My symptoms kicked in in early September this year, which is also early for me. The thing is I try to anticipate when it's starting but can only see a pattern after a couple of weeks - by then it's too late! I get to the point when I am so tired that I can hardly force myself out of bed! I get really frustrated that the things I normally do with no difficulty at all, end up being lengthy chores. I recently started a business from home but I also work in a primary school - now I am finding it difficult managing both. Back in April and all through the summer I had no problem at all. A few years ago, I bought a light box which I used consistently but found that my eyes were getting really sore, but I have to do something so I may just try it again. Last year I got really suicidal- I used to lay in bed thinking of ways to end it all!! Thinking back, it's almost like being two different people - I can't imagine really thinking that way, it just isn't me! I am normally such a positive person. Have you ever felt like that? The other thing that really bugs me are employers. Last year I had two weeks off work - the head of the school was less than sympathetic, my doctor doesn't know enough to deal with S.A.D. and although my homoeopath was giving me treatments that usually work, they weren't! The school insisted that I get a doctor's certificate (which I couldn't get!) and the school's insurer's, who were paying out for the necessary supply teachers to cover me, wouldn't recognise the medical certificate sent by my homoeopath, who is a member of a recognised association! It was a horrible time and I don't want to go through it all again. I visited the homoeopath yesterday and he now wants to do a scan which can show any mineral/vitamin deficiencies in the body - he thinks that it is possible that lack of vitamin D (normally obtained through sunlight) and not the lack of sunlight itself that may be the trigger. I am not so sure but I have to give it a try!!!!! I think I have been rambling here for far too long (apologies). Feel free to ramble in your reply!

I hope that you are managing things O.K. All the best, mate. Paul


stan

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in
posted by stan on 2001-10-16 14:25:39







hi, you might find a highly sensitive person site, www. thomaseldridge.com interesting and helpful...stan


Paul

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in
posted by Paul on 2001-10-17 12:25:39







I too think that my symptoms are early this year - my body clock's started to free-run already, which it doesn't normally do until the second week of November.
On the subject of treatments,I take Prozac and use a Lightbox, which may be a bit belt and braces, but I don't want to go back to my pre- treatment symptoms.
I am slightly nervous about the Prozac, as I have had some of the side effects in previous years, and it had a diminished efficacy last year.
I think that my system may be becoming used to it.
I'm suspicious of other SSRI's (especially Seroxat) and would like to use something 'safer'.
Has anyone had any side-effects from St. John's Wort? I have heard that it can make the user hypersensitive to light (how ironic). I'm not sure about the vitamin theory, as I also take vitamins through the winter, so who can say?
One thing that I think is true is that everyone is different - different drugs work for different people.
Having said that, it's very useful to find out what has worked in the past for people with the same problem as you.
The best treatment I ever had was a holiday in the Canary Islands in January - a great boost of real sunlight that really helped the post- Christmas slump. Of course, that's no use if you can't afford to go.


Paul

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in/treatment
posted by Paul on 2001-10-17 12:26:12







I too think that my symptoms are early this year - my body clock's started to free-run already, which it doesn't normally do until the second week of November.
On the subject of treatments,I take Prozac and use a Lightbox, which may be a bit belt and braces, but I don't want to go back to my pre- treatment symptoms.
I am slightly nervous about the Prozac, as I have had some of the side effects in previous years, and it had a diminished efficacy last year.
I think that my system may be becoming used to it.
I'm suspicious of other SSRI's (especially Seroxat) and would like to use something 'safer'.
Has anyone had any side-effects from St. John's Wort? I have heard that it can make the user hypersensitive to light (how ironic). I'm not sure about the vitamin theory, as I also take vitamins through the winter, so who can say?
One thing that I think is true is that everyone is different - different drugs work for different people.
Having said that, it's very useful to find out what has worked in the past for people with the same problem as you.
The best treatment I ever had was a holiday in the Canary Islands in January - a great boost of real sunlight that really helped the post- Christmas slump. Of course, that's no use if you can't afford to go.


Sharon

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in
posted by Sharon on 2001-10-23 03:50:37







Hi Karl, we realised I have SAD a few years back. With hindsight it was obvious.

Usually what happens is that around end Oct-Dec I start to slow down but remain cheerful & functioning, if a little slowly. Come Jan-Mar I really slow down, overeat, sit about reading, do very little else. Sound abt normal for SAD. The past couple of winters I've used a lightbox and it has helped.

Last winter I started feelin low end of August and started with the lightbox in Sept. This year I've been fine so far. Started the lightbox end of Sept. Then this weekend noticed 'familiar symptoms' so I'm trying to fit in another hour with the box!

Don't know whether this will be of any help to you. Hope it is. hope you find the lightbox useful - & things you can do 2 hours per day sat in front of it!!!
Have a good winter, Sharon


Sharon

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in
posted by Sharon on 2001-10-31 02:10:41







Hi Paul,
last winter sounded really 'orrible for you. Been there myself a few times too!

About educating yr GP - if you contact SADA (address below) they send an introduction pack which includes an explanation sheet which is designed to be handed to yr GP to educate the ignorant. My GP was keen to have the one I gave him & expressed interest. You never know...

They also do 'patient reviews' of drug etc 'performances' & surveys of the latest research.

SADA PO Box 989, Steyning, Sussex BN44 3HG

Hope it's useful to you, Sharon


andrea

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in
posted by andrea on 2001-11-13 16:00:45







Hi
You have my sympathy, I have been suffering for a few years now. I am constantly on antideppressants even in the summer i still feel a bit low. Every October i can feel myself slipping into the black hole even while on the drugs. I think without them i would be in a mess, they keep me functioning for my family.

My doctor thinks its SAD so im giving the light treatment a shot see how it goes, been doing it for seven days so far and i am feeling a bit better any idea how long it takes?

Going to the sun helps try it if you can, im going in Dec for a week think i could do with a month. All the best Andrea.


Sharon

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in
posted by Sharon on 2001-11-14 02:33:33







Hi Andrea,

how's the light therapy going now? I found it helped last winter, up to a point. This winter (Hah! It's barely started) it seems to be helping a lot though I've been tired & pretty slow this week. Mind you, I did spend the past 2 weeks decorating the children's bedrooms! Taking it a bit easier this week in the hope that things improve a bit. I know what you mean about antidepressants! Sharon


Jeanette

Topic: Re: When does SAD kick in
posted by Jeanette on 2001-12-02 13:15:38







For years I was having problems, but it was not untill last year that I was diagnosed with SAD. October and Feb are really bad months for me.

I am on anti depressants at the moment and they do help. Normally start taking them from october to march. Dont know why my GP did not suggest Light therapy, will be asking him this when I next see him. I was actually looking up this site to get info for a friend to help them understand SAD better. But I am actually quite glad that I have visited, I have found out stuff I did not know and its good know that there are others out there that understand.

Hi Karl,
Unfortunately, I suffer from SAD all year as my basement is finished and I spend the majority of my time down in the basement and even more so now that I work at home in my basement. I self diagnosed myself this past year and now realize I have had this problem since moving 20 years to my current home. By the way, you can also get a reverse version of SAD in the summer which I believe I also get. But, hey, I finally got the help I need and I am doing absolutely great and it is about time.

Take care,
Donna (from USA)

My symptoms seem to be starting earlier too! It used to be November and now it starts in September, depending on the weather. This September I went to Rome and it was so sunny, it was wonderful but coming back was hard. The lightbox seems to reduce the severity though, I was using it during the summer on some days, it was so overcast! Maybe the early onset is related to the two terrible summers we've had.