[mj65]

I start with depression after Christmas every year for at least the past 5 years. I took anti depresants for the first time last year and didn't like then. It usually gets better if I get a break/holiday. Any ideas why every winter I feel so bad?

[pegasus]

Has anything in the past ever happened to you at that time of year?

[justfloating]

Could be lack of sunlight. You might try getting a light box, which mimics natural light to help lift mood. I have one and it works wonders.

The other thing you might think about is if there are any particular stresses or triggers during the winter that might make you depressed. Does work get extra busy, does family tend to need more attention, do you get less exercise or sleep? I tend to find that right after the Christmas rush, when I've had to do a lot of travelling to see family and am on the go all the time through the holidays that afterwards I tend to crash out of exhaustion. I need a holiday from the holidays most years.

Good luck!

[missbelle]

I have S.A.D. which is seasonal affective disorder. It is caused by lack of sunlight. Sounds like you have the same thing. I ordered a light about four years ago and start turning it on every morning for about two hours. Its a desk lamp and I use it when I am on my computer. I used to live in Florida for 23 years and moved up here six years ago forgetting that I get depressed in the winter(I am from Rochester N.Y. originally)

The light has really, really helped. You get find them online for next winter. I think I got mine from Gaithersburg. They work with you if you can't pay. They can be expensive but I have the original bulbs in and its been four years so the bulbs last along time!

p.s. I usually turn the light on in October and stop using it around the 15th of March

[spunkygirl]

Originally Posted by mj65

I start with depression after Christmas every year for at least the past 5 years. I took anti depresants for the first time last year and didn't like then. It usually gets better if I get a break/holiday. Any ideas why every winter I feel so bad?

I also have S.A.D. and use light therapy, it does help.

[mj65]

Thanks for the help will look into the light box - any other suggestions welcome

[artichack]

Originally Posted by mj65

Thanks for the help will look into the light box - any other suggestions welcome

Do you exercise? Even getting out for a walk, fresh air....releases natural chemicles in your body....I live in alaska.....we get 3+ hours in the dead of winter...which falls right around the holidays....so I can relate....definetley the light therapy also....best time is first thing in the morning...half hour to hour helps me out....lights can be expensive....but well worth the money....hope you start feeling better.....arti

[lastyearisblank]

Not getting out a lot can do it. It's harder to plan and schedule activities if you know it's cold and miserable. Hope with spring coming up you can get out and get some more sunshine!