[reb569]

I'm dreading Fall and Winter. I think it's going to be rough for me this year. I love the sun and the warmth and getting outside on the weekends and after work has always improved my mood, at least until the last couple years. Well, I guess it still does, but not like it used to. I can see myself getting very depressed this winter.

Anyone else struggle with this? Not so much Seasonal Affective Disorder, but just generally feeling down during the winter months?

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by reb569

I'm dreading Fall and Winter. I think it's going to be rough for me this year. I love the sun and the warmth and getting outside on the weekends and after work has always improved my mood, at least until the last couple years. Well, I guess it still does, but not like it used to. I can see myself getting very depressed this winter.

Anyone else struggle with this? Not so much Seasonal Affective Disorder, but just generally feeling down during the winter months?

Maybe get one of this sun light bulbs, used for SAD. Plus you will have an empty house with your daughter being out. So yes, it could be hard for you. Are you taking any antidepressants? Before all this other stuff I took Effexor (I think) for SAD when the days started getting shorter. It helped. Do you like doing crafts? Maybe volunteer somewhere?

[reb569]

Originally Posted by Trace14

Maybe get one of this sun light bulbs, used for SAD. Plus you will have an empty house with your daughter being out. So yes, it could be hard for you. Are you taking any antidepressants? Before all this other stuff I took Effexor (I think) for SAD when the days started getting shorter. It helped. Do you like doing crafts? Maybe volunteer somewhere?

The light might be an idea. No not taking antidepressants. I've been trying to avoid going on meds, but I'm getting to the point where I think I might need to. Between work and websites, I have a lot to keep me busy, and I've been considering getting involved in a group locally but can't pull the trigger on it because I would actually need to go meet with people that I don't know and that seems to be causing me a lot of anxiety.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by reb569

The light might be an idea. No not taking antidepressants. I've been trying to avoid going on meds, but I'm getting to the point where I think I might need to. Between work and websites, I have a lot to keep me busy, and I've been considering getting involved in a group locally but can't pull the trigger on it because I would actually need to go meet with people that I don't know and that seems to be causing me a lot of anxiety.

How about taking it slowly. You know what obstacles you will be facing, the shorter days, being inside, empty nest. Maybe it's time to check into the anti depressants , just till Spring Maybe get a light for therapy. Maybe once you get some meds on board you may feel more like checking out that group. I really don't think it would be a good idea for you right now. Just ease into things, but definitely look into meds for SAD.

[Fuzzybear]

[reb569]

Originally Posted by Trace14

How about taking it slowly. You know what obstacles you will be facing, the shorter days, being inside, empty nest. Maybe it's time to check into the anti depressants , just till Spring Maybe get a light for therapy. Maybe once you get some meds on board you may feel more like checking out that group. I really don't think it would be a good idea for you right now. Just ease into things, but definitely look into meds for SAD.

I saw my therapist today. And we discussed a lot of this, although not all of it (ran out of time). She recommended that I consider short term meds again. Unfortunately, the thought of going on meds causes me anxiety too. There is a two to three month wait to get into my Dr right now so I'm not sure what to do about that either. I might have to move to a different dr. I'm also uneasy about being prescribed anxiety meds by a MD or Physician's Assistant, but don't really want to see a psychiatrist either. The cycle of worry and overthinking begins.....

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by reb569

I saw my therapist today. And we discussed a lot of this, although not all of it (ran out of time). She recommended that I consider short term meds again. Unfortunately, the thought of going on meds causes me anxiety too. There is a two to three month wait to get into my Dr right now so I'm not sure what to do about that either. I might have to move to a different dr. I'm also uneasy about being prescribed anxiety meds by a MD or Physician's Assistant, but don't really want to see a psychiatrist either. The cycle of worry and overthinking begins.....

You would be fine with a MD or PA prescribing the anxiety meds. That's where I started out, in fact that's who gave me my prescriptions for SAD all along. Look at it this way, it's just short term. You daughter takes her meds, why wouldn't you take yours to help yourself? Really taking the antidepressants aren't bad. I started about this time of year and started weaning off around March. What do you think is going to happen if you start taking something for the anxiety? Is it a feeling based on fact? Or emotion?

[reb569]

Originally Posted by Trace14

You would be fine with a MD or PA prescribing the anxiety meds. That's where I started out, in fact that's who gave me my prescriptions for SAD all along. Look at it this way, it's just short term. You daughter takes her meds, why wouldn't you take yours to help yourself? Really taking the antidepressants aren't bad. I started about this time of year and started weaning off around March. What do you think is going to happen if you start taking something for the anxiety? Is it a feeling based on fact? Or emotion?

I don't know the stats for anxiety, but for depression the stats for MDs successfully treating patients compared to psychiatrists are very low. I also have strange reactions to just over the counter meds so I'm concerned the same thing may happen with anxiety/depression meds. I can't afford to have a bad reaction and miss work. Other than that, pure anxiety.

[Change1954]

Originally Posted by reb569

I'm dreading Fall and Winter. I think it's going to be rough for me this year. I love the sun and the warmth and getting outside on the weekends and after work has always improved my mood, at least until the last couple years. Well, I guess it still does, but not like it used to. I can see myself getting very depressed this winter.

Anyone else struggle with this? Not so much Seasonal Affective Disorder, but just generally feeling down during the winter months?

I can understand, my depression hits rock bottom in the fall, winter. My pcp just suggested meds, again. Im not a fan of medication.

[reb569]

Originally Posted by Change1954

I can understand, my depression hits rock bottom in the fall, winter. My pcp just suggested meds, again. Im not a fan of medication.

I totally understand that. I think I'm going to continue avoiding meds for now. But I am also going to look into changing to a different location for the medical group I go to. This other location has a mental health team, but the location I go to currently does not. I didn't realize that when I moved to them last year when my former PCP moved out of state.