Bipolar and Depression vs. Regional locations

[Crystlas]

I have a curious question and maybe some of you that have had a diagnosis longer can help me.  I spent the weekend with my folks and my mother and I got into a discussion about natural suppliments to help depression or BP.  She has depression and supplements her Prozac with Vitamin D, especially during winter because of lack of sunlight.  I started with Vit. D myself this weekend.  Anyhow, I then got to thinking, where is the largest concentration of people with Bipolar disorder?  Do individuals in warm, year around sunny areas suffer as much as people in areas where there are four seasons and dreary winters?  I tried finding information on the internet and could not come up with anything.  I am asking, because it might be a good idea to move to a beach town or something in order to better control being BP, so I was tossing up that idea.  Just curious!  Thanks.

[Crystlas]

It would not be anytime soon.  I am trying to figure out what my next move is for schooling.  I was just curious for now!

[JillthePill77]

I've always lived here and I always feel particularly happy on rainy days or when I go where it snows.  I have always lived close to the beach, so it doesn't make a difference for me.  That doesn't mean it won't be good for you.  CA is particularly nice because it rarely gets too hot and our humidity is very low.  That's not true as you go inland, so be well-informed about the climate of the city you are thinking about.  Let me know if you come out this way.  Maybe we can get together.

[Crystlas]

Thanks!  Yes, I do use light therapy.  Also, I am sun sensitive with three things, birth control, Wellbutrin and Lithium!  I am doomed :0(  I can get in the sun, I just have to be very careful.  Thanks for the feedback.  I was thinking sunny CA would be a better for bipolars.  Have you always lived there or moved?  Did you have improvement if you did move?  

[JillthePill77]

I live in sunny Southern California and there seem to be PLENTY of bipolar people around.  The beach and sunshine won't prevent bipolar or depression, but it's sure a pleasant place to live.  Have you thought about light therapy?  I don't know much about it, but it has been used with bipolar patients.

Another thing, some of our drugs make your skin sun-sensitive, so you really have to be careful about being outside.  Check your meds and talk to your docs before you make a major change.