Nikki's story

I've always been a happy, bubbly person but about 12 years ago, soon after my son was born, I started feeling depressed during the winter. My doctor put it down to the baby blues and it had disappeared by the summer. But the following October, in 1995, I was going for a walk when I broke down in tears for no reason. I went back to the doctor and this time I was diagnosed with SAD.

It felt like someone had sapped all my energy and I would just cry all the time. After work, I'd cook dinner then go straight to bed. I was horrible to live with and my poor family had to walk on eggshells around me. But during the summer I was a completely different person, always laughing and full of energy.

The telltale signs appeared each October when I'd start feeling lethargic and irritable. I'd go straight to my doctor and ask for a prescription for anti-depressants, which I stayed on until the spring. I dreaded winter and hated the thought of Christmas coming round. Even my birthday in March was usually a miserable time.

Some years were worse than others, depending on the weather. I tried taking omega-3 supplements and St John's Wort, but neither seemed to help. Then two years ago my doctor suggested light therapy and, while I was sceptical at first, I bought a light box. I sit in front of the Pharos for just 15mins a day and the difference is unbelievable. I no longer take anti-depressants and now I'm the same person all year round, whatever the weather.

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Comments on this article

viv
joined 15 Oct 2007
3 posts

Posted by viv, 22:16 16 October 2007

HI,IV JUST READ UR STORY,VERY SIMALAR TO MINE REALLY,EVERY YR AS BEEN THE SAME FOR ME,COME SEPTEMBER.BUT WHAT I HAVE FOUND TO BE GOOD NEWS IS WHAT U SED ABOUT THE LIGHT THERAPY.AS I HAVE JUST ORDERED A LIGHT BOX.ITS DUE TO ARRIVE TOMORROW.AFTER READING HOW U HAVE BENIFITED FROM USEING IT,IT HAS REALLY LIFTED MY SPIRITS.I CANT WAIT TO GET IT AND START TREATMENT NOW,I JUST HOPE IT WORKS AS WELL FOR ME.TAKE CARE.