[Indie'sOK]

I think I might have this...I don't know. It feels like everything is more of an effort than usual, and like I'm always in a bad mood. I want to get my emotions out creatively but don't know how. It's like I'm feeling sorry for myself (I call it my pseudo-depression because I'm not even sure it's real). Does some of this sound familiar? The reason I think it's SAD is because it's worse in the wintertime. Of course, it could be my teenage overstimulated brain playing tricks on me as well. I just want to find out if it's true depression or something less serious (I'm sure it's nothing - it never turns out to be real - just my imagination)

Thanks for any advice you guys can offer me

[Leed]

Hi - I get this every year, and it starts in about September and ends around April. I feel apathetic, lazy, depressed, sad, and I have to take medication. I'm on an antidepressant. When it lifts, I feel like a new woman!! It feels like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders!

Sad is more prevalent in states that don't get much sunshine in the winter. I live in Michigan and we're always blah in the winter. We get a "little" sunshine but not enough to keep the depression away.

What I do is open up all the curtains and blinds -- let all the light in that you can. Also, I turn on ALL the lights in the room that I'm in -- Ya have to keep it as light as possible. If your depression is severe you have to get a special lamp for S.A.D. sufferers. You sit under this lamp for about 20 minutes and it helps to lighten your mood. You can't sit under it longer than that cause it makes you manic!! It comes with instructions.

First tho, I would recommend that you talk with your doctor --- you might need an antidepressant. It could be simple depression and medications might just take care of it. I wish you the very best! God bless. Hugs, Lee

[Indie'sOK]

Thanks for the advice Leed I'm on Paxil right now but I don't really know if it's working or not...guess I don't know how it's supposed to make me feel Yeah, I totally agree - we don't get much sunlight here at all do we? Nice to meet someone who feels the same way I do

[Mustkeepjob32]

Philips makes high quality SAD lamps. They are pricey but the testimonials are very convincing!

Z

[Gus1234U]

also, people tend to underestimate the amounts of stress that come up this time of year, and you've had some major ones,, this year, too Indie,, so take that into account, and just take care of yourself~ best wishes,, Gus