[Nike007]

Hello. I am not diagnosed with any type of depression, but the past 3 years, every winter is terrible. I feel depressed and I don't really know why. Like, I feel sad most of the time due to life stress, but winter is terrible. It's starting to happen again. I feel it. I already feel super sad and not wanting to do anything. Nothing in sleep has changed other than when school started, and I now get 6 hours of sleep. I feel more hungry now, I know that. I crave caffeine too. Anyways, winter is coming, nights are shorter (here in Canada anyways). I just feel really sad. Has this hit anyone else yet or does anyone have SAD? Thanks for the response .

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[lavendersage]

I have S.A.D. I'm typing this while sitting under my light therapy lamp as a matter of fact! Winter is always a really hard time for me. The unrelenting gray skies where I'm living at this time and the short days - so much darkness. I hate it and it affects my mood pretty strongly. I upped my Vitamin D intake last year as bloodwork determined I was seriously deficient, bought a "sunrise" alarm clock, and this therapy light lamp. Here's hoping! Apparently my first winter (this is my 3rd) in this area of the U.S. affected how badly depressed I got to the point that a co-worker noticed it and was really worried about me.

Look in to some of the things that I mentioned - maybe they will help you, too.

Nike007, what you describe is seasonal disorder. It makes sense how we are biologically animals. Our bodies are cells of living organisms and they need light to regenerate the cells with Vitamin D. One, i would get a sunlamp that you sit under. It helps with that. Two I would take vitamins or supplements. Three i would exercise, even if walking twice a week for at least 30 minutes each time. And of course i would like Nike says, Just do it. Get out of bed and do what you have to for the whole day. Make plans to do with other people. Social engagement is imperative for the winters. I live next door in Vermont, i understand very well seasonal disorder. Our state has about 2000 mountains so the temps vary wildly throughout the state about 15.f. Reward yourself with fun things for getting up and doing. I hope this helps. And yes, we all eat in winter. That is just a fact of life. LOL

[Nike007]

Originally Posted by omegalamed

Nike007, what you describe is seasonal disorder. It makes sense how we are biologically animals. Our bodies are cells of living organisms and they need light to regenerate the cells with Vitamin D. One, i would get a sunlamp that you sit under. It helps with that. Two I would take vitamins or supplements. Three i would exercise, even if walking twice a week for at least 30 minutes each time. And of course i would like Nike says, Just do it. Get out of bed and do what you have to for the whole day. Make plans to do with other people. Social engagement is imperative for the winters. I live next door in Vermont, i understand very well seasonal disorder. Our state has about 2000 mountains so the temps vary wildly throughout the state about 15.f. Reward yourself with fun things for getting up and doing. I hope this helps. And yes, we all eat in winter. That is just a fact of life. LOL

Thanks for the response. I won't be walking because of allergy to the cold temperatures. I rash up, my skin dries, my hands bleed, they sting too so much I feel like it burns. Inside is for me in the winter. Allergies. But I will be still doing normal things. I just feel really unmotivated right now. I also think it is part of ADHD (waiting on an assessment). How much is a sun lamp? I'll probably look it up anyways, but to compare prices. I guess I can try different vitamins. It can get up to -30 C here (probably 0 to -10 F I think). Again, thanks for the response .

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[lima01]

Originally Posted by Nike007

Thanks for the response. I won't be walking because of allergy to the cold temperatures. I rash up, my skin dries, my hands bleed, they sting too so much I feel like it burns. Inside is for me in the winter. Allergies. But I will be still doing normal things. I just feel really unmotivated right now. I also think it is part of ADHD (waiting on an assessment). How much is a sun lamp? I'll probably look it up anyways, but to compare prices. I guess I can try different vitamins. It can get up to -30 C here (probably 0 to -10 F I think). Again, thanks for the response .

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Try daylight bulbs , my sister in law built her own light box, she uses it two hours each day . My wife changed her office bulbs to daylight type because of no windows and that helped. Common problem .

I'm too lazy to look up the topic for you, but someone recently posted in the "Other Treatments" forum about SAD. 'sad' is in the thread title.

After several difficult winters my psychiatrist convinced me to get a SAD therapy lamp. I've been using it for a month now and I notice an improvement. I'm sleeping better too. They're not cheap - start at $109cdn up. But worth it. The Canadaian Mental Health Association can give you one to rent cheaply and my local drop in clinic lends them out on a trial basis. I highly recommend them

[catnip123]

I have a Sunbox. It was less than $100USD. My cat really likes it also!