please help.... (5 Nov 01)

Topic: please help....
posted by Beccy Huxtable on 2001-11-05 03:04:15




Hi,

Can't believe I've finally found somewhere where you can talk to other people about this.

Umm, I haven't actually been diagnosed with sad but i know i've had it for a couple of years now. i'm really scared of going to the doctor in case they don't take it seriously, does that still happen now? they've put me on anti-depressants before but i can feel that it is winter related, its always this time of year and i only start to feel better when i know the summer is coming back again. each year i know it will come and try to fight it but its not working this time.

i am in my last year at university and have got loads of work to do, which i don't think is helping as i feel i just can't cope.it just seems to be affecting everything, my boyfriend says i'm really quiet and my friends keep telling me i'm miserable but i just can't seem to pull myself out of it.

i've decided to write an feature article on it for my work at university in the hope more people will understand me / it and wondered if any of you would like to help me out with it, even if it means i just have someone to talk to who understands me etc.

hope to hear from you soon, have tried to find help groups etc before but no success.

beccy


Paula

Topic: Re: please help....
posted by Paula on 2001-11-05 10:43:56







Hi Beccy,
Firstly remember you are not alone, there are lots of us 'out here' that suffer with SAD. You will find many useful links if you read the messages on this board (I know I have, I only discovered this forum last week).

Maybe those around you don't understand because they need a little more education about SAD, I'm sure that the feature you are going to write will help educate some, just don't expect any overnight changes, unfortunately.
Regarding your doctor, at some point in the past you have plucked up the courage to make the appointment and attend (! ;-) do it again, maybe he/she can recommend a counselling group/one to one session you could attend. It may help to talk to like minded people. If anti- depressants work for you don't be afraid to take them - if you have a headache, would take a pill for it? (one of my friends said this to me and it changed my attitude towards AD's).

If I may be so bold to make a few suggestions for things that may help you through the next few months. These are some of the things that have helped me in the past couple of years since being diagnosed in 1998.
:-) If you can afford it purchase a light box, they are excellent, they can be purchased for as little as £100 or under. Depending how much time you can spend with the box will indicate the type you will need. I have one at home and one at work, I bought them from SAD Lightbox Co Ltd ph: 01494 484852. A very worthwile investment.

:-) If the above is not in your finances at the moment,then get yourself some (or just one) - 'day light' light bulbs, these can be purchased from Homebase or even your local supermarket cost under £5.00. I even found just replacing regular bulbs with 150 watts have helped me in the past. Turn your 'bright lights' on in the morning, during the day and early evening. Ensure you turn them off with plenty of time to allow your body to adjust to bedtime (I have made this mistake in the past of having bright lights on all evening and not being able to sleep).

:-) Give yourself a little treat, something that you can look forward to each day. It can be the same thing or something different each day. For me this varies from having a relaxing bubble bath to painting my nails, taking time out to read a book or having a lovely meal (especially if I can get my wonderful boyfriend to cook ;-) It's an appointment with yourself that you must keep. Generally the message is be good to yourself there is only one you in the world and you must look after her, other people can only offer advice, only you know how you feel,deep down inside.

:-) On that note, If your friends don't seem to be understanding at the moment, then maybe limit your time you spend with them. Go out when you feel strong, don't be afraid to have a night in occasionally, especially if you find a night out makes you miserable. Please understand I am not recommending you isolate yourself, but try to find the balance that works for YOU.

I hope that some of these suggestions can work for you as they have for me.

Above all try to keep in the company of postitive minded people - it really helps to have a PMA (postitive minded attitude).

Kind regards - Paula :-)
Remember the past is history, tomorrow is a mystery, concentrate on today.

PS, that's another one, sometimes affirmations can help.
Sorry for 'waffling' on, hope to chat to you soon.


Sharon

Topic: Re: please help....
posted by Sharon on 2001-11-06 02:30:24







Been there, had that. Even to the SAD in my final year & not being able to get on with writing up my report. Know just how you feel. I didn't know it was SAD then & definitely didn't want to go on anti-depressants. It's taken years to realise I have SAD but at least I know now. Definitely try Paula's bright lights, & not all evening. You need yr sleep.

Also try contacting the SAD Association. SADA PO Box 989, STEYNING BN44 3HG. They really do understand & have all sorts of hints, tips & help sources. Including, in the starter pack, a letter to give to your GP explaining the condition & that it is real & not just a figment of yr final year overworked imagination.

Hang in there girl, all the best with yr final year & future career.

Remember, if winter comes then spring cannot be far behind. It just seems like it!

Sharon


Donna

Topic: Re: please help....
posted by Donna on 2001-11-21 15:56:02







Hi there Beccy,
I have just found the outsidein web site the other day.After reading everyones messages ,and getting over the joy of realising that I can talk to other people,all with S.A.D like myself,I thought that I'd write to you.
I have been an s.a.d sufferer for many years now.I diagnoised it myself because it got really bad about 4 years ago.My G.P didn't believe me (more to the point,she did'nt believe in s.a.d !!)This made me feel angry & even more guilty about the way I was feeling.I changed my G.P and found one that listened to me & actually understood alot more about s.a.d than what I did!!! He wasn't
at my surgery for much longer.
The spring came once more & my normal happy self returned (to the relief of my boy-friend who has been 200% supportive & to this day is still with me!)
When you feel so low & cannot understand why you are feeling like you are going completely MAD! I'm sure your friends don't mean it personaly.No-one can feel how you feel inside,only you can.I don't know about you or anyone else,but when the summer is here ,I forget how bad I felt in the winter because I'm too busy having fun!!!
After all the above though,it is good to have at least 1 friend that you can talk to and will listen.If not,we are all here to support you as much as possible.I know it's by the net but my e-mail is:
donnagood20@hotmail.com
feel free to write & thats to any s.a.d sufferers out there!

Donna x.