SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder

[nursegirl6572]

I figured now is the perfect time to bring this up, as most of us, here in the US, are moving into fall, approaching winter.  It's getting darker earlier, and our nights are getting longer.  People with chronic depression are easily affected by things like the weather, amount of sunlight, rain, ect.  I know my depression worsens in the winter months, for sure.

"Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. If you're like most people with seasonal affective disorder, your symptoms start in the fall and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody."

Some people ONLY experience depressive symptoms at certain times of the year, while others have SAD as a concurrent diagnosis, along with clinical depression.  Even if you haven't been diagnosed as having SAD, I bet most of you will say that your moods and symptoms of depression worsen in the winter months.

I'm posting a link to a very informative, helpful article about SAD from the great folks at the Mayo Clinic.  It describes different treatment options, one which is phototherapy, or exposure to light.  One thing you can do if you feel your depression worsens at this time of the year, is increase your exposure to natural sunlight.  Sit outside for an hour a day.  It doesn't have to be super sunny for you to benefit from the sun.

Feel free to share your own experiences with SAD, or your prepensity to feel more depressed in the winter months.  It's important to mention, that only a doctor can actually diagnose SAD, and if you think you're suffering from it, please talk with your doctor.

Wishing you all peace.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195

[MYoungAtHeart]

For years I just held on the the thinnest shred of sanity I had left
to make it through March or April.  We got hit hard this fall up in the
North Woods with cloudy days and rain early in September.  I started
looking up SAD at the Mayo website and decided to buy a light machine.
I have been using it for 2 weeks already and don't know how I passed
through so many seasons in my life without one.  Really looking forward
to this community. Thank you so much

[witheredrose]

Im not sure if its SAD, but bad weather effects my mood and not just in the winter. In the summer time too like when its been rainy all day.

[RainLover71]

I think this is an excellent post NG & very true.

[Life360_Dave]

I think your on to something with this. I moved to Florida from the north after 9/11 and there is definetely something to winters sitting inside for 6 months. Just going outside in 20 degree weather is a challange.  Here in Florida, i never have sat on my living room couch yet. Am always outside with the sun. I dont suffer from SAD but can see how this affects people. But i have read that the crime rate goes up in nice weather, so go figure!

[updownleftright]

Great post. About two years ago I started to notice that my sleep was worse in the winter time. I tried taking vitamin D in capsule form, but that didn't help much. After doing some research I found out that Vitamin D doesn't absorb very well when taking orally. Since I live in a part of the world where there are very few days with sun light this time of the year I decided to buy a SAD lamp. I have to say it's worked great. I notice a lot of improvement in my sleep when I use it regularly. They can be pretty pricey, but I was fortunate to find one at a pharmacy for only $50. The other thing that's really helped me is maintaining a diet high in vegetables and fruits this time of the year it can be tough with the holidays coming up, but it's worth it for me.