Seasonal Affective Disorder, Is it real?

Does any one else seem to have an issue with this? Whenever it's overcast or rainy, (like today) my depression seems to really deepen, my mood darkens and I experience headaches. I was miserable living in the Northeast where it would rain days at a time. I've read that it's no longer recognized as a separate, official disorder, but is only part of a mood disorder.

Hey damage- yes I suffer with SAD as well! For me I find that a "happy light" really helps, and even taking Aplenzin when it get's bad enough! Best of luck!!

I know it is real for me (however "they" want to classify it is fine by me).

By the middle of October I can feel it coming on and it doesn't let up until the beginning of April. And I live further South than I used to so I can only try to remember how miserable I was when I was living in the Northeast as well. (I don't remember much from that time so I think that says it all.)

Even sunshine while it helps doesn't help kick it - sometimes I embrace the rainy and cloudy days - let myself roll around in the depression and sometimes that helps. Sometimes it doesn't.

I have found things that help me manage it (getting outside for 20 minutes, eating three meals a day with lots of fruit and veggies, drinking at least 6 glasses of water, writing/journaling, watching funny TV shows, writing) and just expecting much less of myself for these months.

It's not something I can fix or change and luckily I have a patient partner who understands and helps with seeing what is going on and when I'm being destructive. It's definitely real though - and taken me 9 years to realize it!

Best wishes to you as you find your way - it can be tough but you will find things that help alleviate it if not lift it completely.

I know my therapists believe in it. My sister uses one of those special lamps to help her.

It's...kind of the other way around for me. Very bright, sunny days are annoying to me, for lack of a better term. Yet when it rains, or is overcast, I feel much more at ease and content.

Yes, it's real!

SAD is certainly one of my symptoms.