[reader71]

Since I started taking a different med combination in January, my mental health has steadily improved. Spring and summer also help. I finally cleaned my filthy house that I neglected for over a year because of my depression, planted flowers in my yard, started eating well and exercising, losing weight.

Although things are pretty good I still have an undercurrent of fear about the change of seasons. Come October or November my mood always starts to change, regardless of the medication I take. I am thinking of moving to a sunnier, warmer climate, but am kind of overwhelmed by the amount of work such a move will take.

Just venting here--I hope everyone is well! Thanks for listening.....

[dragonfly2]

Hi Reader - glad to hear you're feeling well. It's amazing how much the right meds can help things change! I also dread the coming of winter. For me, it's right around when the clocks change - like you said, October or November - and I take a nosedive. Almost like I can feel the Darkness coming. I have begun using a light box starting in the late fall and it has helped. I'm the same way - it doesn't matter how well my meds are working, once the days get shorter, my little bipolar brain gets all out of whack (thank you, pineal gland...) and I have to counteract it.

Ask your pdoc about using a light box this fall. It might be just enough for you.

[unaluna]

This past winter I switched to an older pair of eyeglasses that did not have automatic sunglass darkening on them, that seemed to help my SAD.

[reader71]

I have a light box, and it does help a bit. It's not only the lack of light in the winter. I hate that the cold and gray drag on for months and months. It's been nice to not think about suicide almost every day, take walks and really enjoy life for a change. I know I just have to be really conscious of taking care of myself and forcing myself to get out and do things. It's just that when depression hits, it is sooooo difficult to do this.

[dragonfly2]

Hankster- that's a great idea.

Reader- Oh, I know what you mean about the dreary and cold winters. It's hard enough to get out and do things in the cold when I feel well. Add depression and it's nearly impossible for me.

One thing I try to do is have plenty of fresh flowers in the house in the winter. As soon as the Christmas decorations get taken down, the vases of tulips go up. It's a small thing, but it does help.

[palemoss]

hey i share the same feers when January and February come along - in fact, i wonder what is the prevalence of bp/sad comorbidity?

anyway, you really just got to discipline yourself not to get depressed - i mean decorate your home with Xmas lights and make it happier.

but moving to a warmer place is good too! Los Angeles has amazing weather!!