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Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 3:42:17 AM

TNstepsout

Posts: 1558
Joined: 8/3/2005
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I think I might have this. I definately became a recluse last winter and knew I had some mild depression but I thought it was primarily due to some health problems. Now this year I'm beginning to notice the same thing. I'm just not myself.

Anyone else have this? Does light treatment seem to work? What else works?

Post #: 1

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 3:43:51 AM

bandit25

Posts: 3029
Joined: 6/18/2005
Status: offline

The only thing that helps me is the sun. I actually like the winter...it's not seeing or being out in the sun that gets me down.

(in reply to TNstepsout)

Post #: 2

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 3:53:47 AM

MissyRane

Posts: 1032
Joined: 5/11/2005
Status: offline

There're these special lamps that exist which imitate the brightness from the sun (not normal lamps lol) but having them turned on then they're supposed to help you with the depression when it gets darker. I don't know if it works since I'm fortunate enough not to suffer from depression.

I haven't really heard of other methods, apart from those usual anti-depressants.

< Message edited by MissyRane -- 11/28/2007 3:56:01 AM >

(in reply to bandit25)

Post #: 3

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 3:54:08 AM

PlayfulGoddess

Posts: 66
Joined: 11/9/2007
Status: offline

Notices a change in my mood as well...

Thinks about taking a vacation to a SUNNY clime instead

(in reply to TNstepsout)

Post #: 4

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 3:54:16 AM

HisSongstress

Posts: 103
Joined: 3/2/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: TNstepsout

I think I might have this. I definately became a recluse last winter and knew I had some mild depression but I thought it was primarily due to some health problems. Now this year I'm beginning to notice the same thing. I'm just not myself.

Anyone else have this? Does light treatment seem to work? What else works?

I have dealt with this for years. It nearly killed me on a regular basis. In the past, I have used a variety of things that have helped

light therapy (a sun box) www.sunbox.com/
Putting lights on timers in my bedroom (lights comeon at 4:30, alarm goes of at 5:30, so that I could force myself out of bed at 6:00)
Prozac
Reisperdol (for the dissociation)
Strict adherence to sleeping and waking
Strict diet
Limiting stimulation to people and stress
Check out this site for help too: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/S-A-D/

BUT

This year I was advised to try acupuncture. I have been doing it for 6 weeks. I feel cured. I feel like I normally do in May after I come out of hibernation. It has not been easy. I have found the reasons that I have been sick (crappy trauma things). In dealing with them, I have let myself live.

I know that his sounds new agey, but I have decided to do whatever it takes to be a whole person. I have transformed my life, my body, my person in the last two years. LIFE IS GRAND! I am such a lucky girl!

best!

song

< Message edited by HisSongstress -- 11/28/2007 3:56:59 AM >

_____________________________

"More, please." ....Oliver Twist

Before discovering bdsm, my motto was "Like me or bite me." But here, everyone seems to think that is an invitation.

(in reply to TNstepsout)

Post #: 5

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 5:15:51 AM

bipolarber

Posts: 2792
Joined: 9/25/2004
Status: offline

Okay, this is going to sound a little stupid, but I do a bit of light therapy, but combine it with listening to an "Ocean Wave" enviroment's CD... Also, the way I do additional light therapy is to go to a tanning salon a couple times a month. There's a suggestion that its the UV in sunlight that builds up the vitamins in your system, keeping you from becoming depressed.

(in reply to HisSongstress)

Post #: 6

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 6:27:00 AM

TheHeretic

Posts: 19100
Joined: 3/25/2007
From: California, USA
Status: offline

Try eating more fish, especially cold water white fish, like halibut. The oils have been linked to the low incidence of depression among the Alaskan natives. Works for me.

_____________________________

If you lose one sense, your other senses are enhanced.
That's why people with no sense of humor have such an inflated sense of self-importance.

(in reply to TNstepsout)

Post #: 7

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 6:38:14 AM

GoddessDustyGold

Posts: 2822
Joined: 4/11/2004
From: Arizona
Status: offline

Try the light therapy. It should help. I live in Az and I have more problems in the winter. I do not sleep (as in again last night 20 minutes of dozing and then up all night). As much as I am attracted to living elsewhere, particularly the Pacific Northwest, I know I would never make it.
For mild depression, St. John's Wort is a good herbal and natural anti-depressant. But caution: It is known to effect the efficacy of birth control pills, so if that is a metod you use, I wouldn't recommend it. A doctor would need to evaluate you for prescription meds, and I am not a big fan of those.
Some natural anti-depressants...
Bergamot (an ingredient in Earl Grey Tea)
Oats
Lemon Balm (you can find that in some herb teas also as an ingredient)
Wood Betony and Basil (you can make an infusion with equal part of these dried ingredients, like an herb tea 1 - 2 tsp per cup)
Basil Oil or Sandalwood Oil - 5 drops in the bath

Often depression comes with a host of other health problems, particularly insomnia. Hence a need to be as disciplined as possible about sleep patterns. To help with relaxation and sleep, chamomile and linden, hops, passion flower, vervain. You can look at various herb teas to find these ingredients included in the teas and try them out.
Valerian tablets are a mild and natural sedative available at health food stores.
If you are tired and lethargic with the depression, as opposed to anxious and wound up, then don't use the relaxants, of course! Write Me on the other side if you need herbal info on combatting the tired and lethargic aspect.

_____________________________

Dusty
They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety
B Franklin
Don't blame Me ~ I didn't vote for either of them
The Hidden Kingdom

(in reply to TNstepsout)

Post #: 8

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 6:45:04 AM

CuriousLord

Posts: 3911
Joined: 4/3/2007
Status: offline

I hate Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I'm by no means a capitalist-hater, but it's just sickeningly thick in the air around this time of the year. Not to mention all of the horrible music on the radio and the cheesy Christmas "specials". Then there's the unusual flocks of people crowding stores, the trash from decorations (to include the trash of broken decorations), and then there's the cold weather which, admittedly, isn't the fault of Christmas but compounds on the annoyance factor. Oh, yes, and all of these songs about a two-thousand year old con man who convinced a lot of peasants in a town that wouldn't even qualify as third world by today's standards that he was, in fact, the offspring of some almightly being who demands obidience from humans.

But, in short, it's a bunch of obnixious stupidity that gets in the way of normal life. Still, I tolerate it, as I guess it makes some people happy. Not bad for the economy, either, I suppose. Still, it depresses and stresses so many more..

(in reply to TNstepsout)

Post #: 9

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 7:24:57 AM

UtopianRanger

Posts: 3251
Status: offline

quote:

As much as I am attracted to living elsewhere, particularly the Pacific Northwest, I know I would never make it.
For mild depression, St. John's Wort is a good herbal and natural anti-depressant.

My beautiful blond lady friend :

That's an urban legend. Seriously..... The biggest problem people have here in the PNW : They become obese from lack of activity by remaining inside all day because of the rainy/cold-ass weather.

I say endure it.....get out amongst the people, find a rigorous, good outside hobby and enjoy yourself---You'll stay thin and never become depressed.

Oh.... and the St. John's Wort, its damn good stuff.

JMHO

- R

_____________________________

"If you are going to win any battle, you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do... the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."

-General George S. Patton

(in reply to GoddessDustyGold)

Post #: 10

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 8:44:59 AM

pahunkboy

Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline

I went to tanning booth 3x a week to stay warm and feel better. It worked. I hadnt done that last year as mom had cancer cut off her skin.

Alas- someone ese loathes the cheasey Christmas fakeness. I dont know what is worse the songs or the spoofs. Too bad my brother doesnt take us all to Puerta Vallerta

(in reply to UtopianRanger)

Post #: 11

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 10:30:28 AM

popeye1250

Posts: 18104
Joined: 1/27/2006
From: New Hampshire
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: TNstepsout

I think I might have this. I definately became a recluse last winter and knew I had some mild depression but I thought it was primarily due to some health problems. Now this year I'm beginning to notice the same thing. I'm just not myself.

Anyone else have this? Does light treatment seem to work? What else works?

About 10% of the population has this malady.
It's called "S.A.D." -seasonal affective dissorder.
It's caused by a lack of light. Those "light boxes" do wonders I hear.
And yes, getting 15-20 minutes of sunlight will make a big improvement too.

_____________________________

"But Your Honor, this is not a Jury of my Peers, these people are all decent, honest, law-abiding citizens!"

(in reply to TNstepsout)

Post #: 12

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 10:35:55 AM

sophia37

Posts: 1433
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline

The holidays have never been mood brighteners for me. I usually get down around this time of year, each and every year. Plus, yes, the darkness is no help. I used a sunbox at one point. I have just learned that sometimes, its important to do stuff for ME. Nov and Dec seem to be about doing for everyone else. So if you can go ahead and spend some time on you.

(in reply to popeye1250)

Post #: 13

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 7:14:17 PM

TNstepsout

Posts: 1558
Joined: 8/3/2005
Status: offline

Thanks for all the responses. I appreciate it. I'm a little financially stressed right now so I think I'm going to try a few supplements and get back to the gym. I know I should be going anyway, but I find it harder than ever to go when it's cold and dark outside after work. I just want to go home and curl up on the couch with something hot to drink. But I think it would help.

It's not related to Christmas. I LOVE Christmas. That part is great.

I used to live in Arizona and I didn't have this problem there. In the winter it's a lot sunnier than here. That's why I began to think it was seasonal depression because I've only noticed it since I've been back in Texas. It's not horrible, it's just that I feel a bit more overwhelmed by problems and a bit more weighted down by them. Usually I just take a deep breath and make a joke and get on with it. Sometimes that happens and I just don't want it to drag on.

(in reply to TNstepsout)

Post #: 14

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 7:29:22 PM

FatDomDaddy

Posts: 3183
Joined: 1/31/2004
Status: offline

Bah Humbug!

I want my daylight savings time!!!!

(in reply to TNstepsout)

Post #: 15

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 7:34:59 PM

Kalista07

Posts: 4240
Joined: 7/1/2007
Status: offline

TN,
Here are some tips from mayoclinic.com

Coping skills
You can take action to help cope with seasonal affective disorder. Here are tips to help you manage the condition, in conjunction with your doctor or mental health provider:

Stick to your treatment plan. Take medications as directed and attend therapy appointments as scheduled.

Let there be light. Make your home sunnier and brighter. Open blinds, add skylights and trim tree branches that block sunlight.

Get out. Get outdoors on sunny days, even during winter. Take a long walk, eat lunch at a nearby park, or simply sit peacefully on a bench and soak up the sun.

Exercise regularly. Physical exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase SAD symptoms. Being more fit can make you feel better about yourself, too, which can lift your mood.

Take care of yourself. Get enough rest, eat a balanced diet and take time to relax. Don't turn to alcohol or unprescribed drugs for relief.

Practice stress management. Learn how to better manage stress. Unmanaged stress can lead to depression, overeating, or other unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.

Socialize. Stay connected with people you enjoy being around. They can offer support, a shoulder to cry on or a joke to give you a little boost.

Take a trip. If possible, take winter vacations in sunny, warm locations if you have winter SAD, or cooler locations if you have summer SAD.

i hope they help,
Kali

_____________________________

“Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it.”
~~Sweedish Proverb

(in reply to TNstepsout)

Post #: 16

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 7:39:32 PM

Sanity

Posts: 22039
Joined: 6/14/2006
From: Nampa, Idaho USA
Status: offline

Or maybe it's all the mercury

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheHeretic

Try eating more fish, especially cold water white fish, like halibut. The oils have been linked to the low incidence of depression among the Alaskan natives. Works for me.

_____________________________

Inside Every Liberal Is A Totalitarian Screaming To Get Out

(in reply to TheHeretic)

Post #: 17

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 7:40:46 PM

FangsNfeet

Posts: 3758
Joined: 12/3/2004
Status: offline

By far, studies point out that Winter is the most dispised season. However, the Winter Holiday is the most popular and favored thing to celibrate and be happy for.

In the Winter Season, most of us get a little down in the dumps. That's why we come together and make the best of it. We're not going to let the cold keep us from having fun. So instead, we're going to party more to show Mother Nature a thing or two. You can't keep good people down.

Personaly, I love Winter. It's finnally cold enough for me to wear my trench coat and the less sun in my eyes, the better.

Anyhow, back to depression. Little Sunlight and much cold are the most obvious reasons for depression during Winter. Sunlight causes our bodies to create melitionin. When it's too cold, we become less active which changes our hormones and metabolisim. Cold air normally causes more people to be inside. Being closeer to more people for longer periods of time can also modify behavior.

Also realize that most of us have a diet change during this season. Certain foods are not in season during this time of year. Most of us tend to eat a few extra sweets which can lead to more sugar crashing. To help, I normally pop a melitonin pill, multi B vitamin, and fix a strong cup of Green Tea each morning.

I'm not suggesting that you should not consider priscription medication. However, I do reccomend that you should first try these natural homeopathic methods first before seeing a Dr about the big guns.

May you find happiness during these cold months.

_____________________________

I'm Godzilla and you're Japan

(in reply to TNstepsout)

Post #: 18

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 7:45:30 PM

dcnovice

Posts: 37282
Joined: 8/2/2006
Status: offline

quote:

By far, studies point out that Winter is the most dispised season. However, the Winter Holiday is the most popular and favored thing to celibrate and be happy for.

For years, I wondered why people got so much more into Christmas than Easter, even though the latter is much more theologically important. Finally theorized that, in the darkness, we need Christmas with an intensity we don't bring to Easter. Just a thought.

_____________________________

No matter how cynical you become,
it's never enough to keep up.

JANE WAGNER, THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF
INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE

(in reply to FangsNfeet)

Post #: 19

RE: Seasonal Depression - 11/28/2007 8:12:05 PM

TheHeretic

Posts: 19100
Joined: 3/25/2007
From: California, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: dcnovice

quote:

By far, studies point out that Winter is the most dispised season. However, the Winter Holiday is the most popular and favored thing to celibrate and be happy for.

For years, I wondered why people got so much more into Christmas than Easter, even though the latter is much more theologically important. Finally theorized that, in the darkness, we need Christmas with an intensity we don't bring to Easter. Just a thought.

That's only because the Christians took all the fun out of Easter. It's supposed to be about fertility rites and phallus worship. Bring back the pagan style festivities and I will be ALL into contributing to the festivities. I've got my phallus right here, in fact.

_____________________________

If you lose one sense, your other senses are enhanced.
That's why people with no sense of humor have such an inflated sense of self-importance.

(in reply to dcnovice)

Post #: 20

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