[Apugliese92]

My girlfriend and I have been together just shy of 2 months. We have both fallen really hard for each other, and up until now everything has been perfect. Although I know all relationships have struggles, my girl suffers from seasonal depression and I'm having trouble understanding how she feels and how to help. Right now is the time of year with the least sunlight. She is on antidepressants and a high dose of vitamin D, but still feels depressed on and off every day. She is sleeping a lot more than she used to and at times seems distant and lost in thought. The first thing I noticed was that our sex life had changed. We were being intimate less and less, and now most of the affection from her has greatly decreased. I'm trying to overcompensate for her lack of affection but it can be tiring at times. She is open and talks to me about how she feels most of the time, but its hard not to take the way she acts towards me personally. I know depression is an inner battle, but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or insight into how I can help or to better understand.

[CANDC]

Welcome to Psych Central Apugliese. Sorry to hear you are having struggles in your relationship.
You mention seasonal depression. A psychiatrist (pdoc) told me that they have sunlight like lamps or light boxes that simulate the light of sunshine.
Winter is also a time of colder weather. Space heaters or electric radiators could be used carefully keeping a 36" clearance and unplugging when not in use. Don't use extension cords except heavy duty recommended by the manufacturer.
Snuggling under the covers just to stay warm is an old eskimo trick lol.

These are easy things to change. Helping someone in depression is not easy. There are no easy fixes. To understand more you could try these links:

Psych Central - Search results for Seasonal depression

Depression - Forums at Psych Central

Keep reading and answering posts. There is also a depression chat available after 5 posts.