Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and winter blues

Animals react to the changing seasons with changes in mood, metabolism and behaviour and human beings are just the same. Many people find they eat and sleep slightly more in winter and dislike the dark mornings and short days and this is commonly referred to as 'winter blues'. For some, however, symptoms are severe enough to disrupt their lives and to cause considerable distress. These people are suffering from SAD.

How does SAD affect people?

Symptoms tend to start from around September each year lasting until April, but are at their worst in the darkest months. Symptoms include:

• Sleep problems - oversleeping but not refreshed, cannot get out of bed, needing a nap in the afternoon
• Overeating - carbohydrate craving leading to weight gain
• Depression, despair, misery, guilt, anxiety - normal tasks become frustratingly difficult
• Family / social problems - avoiding company, irritability, loss of libido, loss of feeling
• Lethargy - too tired to cope, everything an effort
• Physical symptoms - often joint pain or stomach problems, lowered resistance to infection
• Behavioural problems - especially in young people

Who does it affect?

The standard figure says that around 2% of people in Northern Europe suffer badly, with many more (10%) putting up with milder symptoms (sub-syndromal SAD or winter blues). Across the world the incidence increases with distance from the equator, except where there is snow on the ground, when it becomes less common. More women than men are diagnosed as having SAD. Children and adolescents are also vulnerable.

What causes it?

The problem stems from the lack of bright light in winter. Researchers have proved that bright light makes a difference to the brain chemistry but why some people suffer and others don't is not clear.

Nerve centres in our brain controlling our daily rhythms and moods are stimulated by the amount of light entering the eyes. As night falls, the pineal gland starts to produce a substance called melatonin that tells our body clock it's night time; bright light at daybreak is the signal for the gland to stop producing this melatonin. But on dull winter days, especially indoors, not enough light is received to trigger this waking up process.Light is also linked to serotonin (also known as or 5HT), a neurotransmitter in the brain. This makes sense because low serotonin levels can cause depression and if you're depressed it can be difficult to concentrate and complete what would normally be simple tasks. Evidence has shown that serotonin levels increase with exposure to bright light - SSRI drugs such as Prozac have the same effect.

What treatment is there?

As the cause is lack of bright light, the treatment is to be in bright light every day. Going to a brightly-lit climate, whether that's skiing or somewhere hot, will relieve symptoms but if that's not possible you can use a bright light. The preferred level of light is about as bright as a spring morning on a clear day and for most people sitting in front of a light like this for around 30 minutes a day will be sufficient to alleviate the symptoms. You don't have to stare at the light, so you can watch TV or read or similar, just make sure that light reaches your eyes.

The light must be suitably bright. You need at least 2500lux (lux is the technical measure of brightness) which is roughly five times brighter than a well-lit office. Brighter 10,000lux lights take less time to use and allow you to sit further away. Simply using 'daylight' or 'full spectrum' lights at home will not work as they're not bright enough.

We encourage SAD sufferers to seek the support of their doctor. We can also supply comprehensive information packs for medical practitioners.

Please see your doctor if you believe you may be suffering from a depressive illness.

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Comments on this article

lancos joined 25 Sep 2007 3 posts	Posted by lancos, 14:02 25 September 2007 very useful information, thanks
mryouwho joined 14 Oct 2007 9 posts	Posted by mryouwho, 18:45 14 October 2007 hi every one, would just like to explane the way that i am 95% certain that my problems in life are effected by S.A.D, in hope that someone out there can perhaps understand or is going through the same what i am experiencing, this maybe will sound a bit bizzar to people who dont understand but i am trying to resolve the problem throught light therapy, i am a 26yr old male i have been aware of my winter dissorder for 5 years but was still effected before and didnt know why, in the winter months i am depressed i find it hard to work or be around friends and meet new people due to being paranoid about myself in the way i am being looked upon i often look at people in the street and i get negative looks, i find it hard to keep a conversation with peole and genarly feel that the winter time kills a part of me that i need to become excepted in order to live a normal life, but as soon as summer time awakes i become alive women are atractede to me i have confidence relaxed and feel great, but i know its only a tempary possition and as soon as winter comes i become ugerly and have even herd comments stating this but when its summer i get wolfed whisseled by women andf even get asked out on date and get complments saying how fit and gorgouse i look, this is 100% true with even my close friends as witnesses to the events of my winter disorder and summer bliss events, last summer i wanted to see if i could prepare myself for the winter by spending as much time down the beach as i could a was brown very brown and as it got colder into the winter i bought a sun bed and used it until january and it helped very well no where near as good as the summer but still gave me a head start on the winter when i stoped using it with in a few weeks to a month i was feeling terable again, please belive me this is not all in my head, i wish it was, i am fighting this S.A.D the best way i know how and would really apreciate anyone with any advise on the ways that you deal with S.A.D the sun gives me energy makes me happy and fun to be around makes me atractive, but when its taken away i am a negative cold ugly bitter person, and its not because i have brain washed myself to believe this, if anyone out there has any info about what i am going through or there in the same position them selfs please reply.
Hannah joined 21 Oct 2007 3 posts	Posted by Hannah, 18:20 21 October 2007 Wow Chris. I am touched by your account and have gone through the same cycles for as long as I can rememeber. I too started to go on sunbeds realising that they helped but this year I am investing in a light box. They cost about £200 ( can be cheaper) and have signed up as memeber of the national SAD group- google it and you will find it. I think a dose of the light box every day is the way forward. I hope that now I have admitted to myself that I suffer from this condition I can now start controlling it in a productive way. I hope you find this useful Chris. Hannah
Net joined 24 Oct 2007 6 posts	Posted by Net, 13:20 24 October 2007 How Chris - for several years I have been diagonosis for depression due to stress bringing the condition on. I work as a principal teacher so I assume along with the doctors that stress was the factor. This year when back to the doctors in October to explain my sleeping patterns have been affected again - at the very start of Sept - I now have been official digonsis with SAD and I am delighted. Buy the light box, go to the doctor. Chris the way you think about yourself can be definitely overcome by cognitive behaviour therapy. Your doctor will need to refer you. I promise you - the therapy will teach you how to think differently about yourself. Good Luck mate Annette
louise joined 25 Oct 2007 5 posts	Posted by louise, 19:16 25 October 2007 It is nice to know I am not the only one going through this, the last week has been horrible I have changed into a different person, wanting to sleep all the time, my children suffer because I find it hard to do normal things. I have ordered a Light Box today and hope this is going to help me through the winter months. My friends understand, my 6 and 7 year old dont. Louise
rhiannon joined 26 Oct 2007 19 posts	Posted by rhiannon, 12:52 26 October 2007 I completely relate to all of you. It's been 3 years since I realised I was suffering with SAD, before which I just thought I was crazy. I know what you mean Chris about the winter time killing a part of you; every year it feels like half of me just isn't here anymore, and I'm afraid to talk to people in case they can see that I'm dead inside. I'm starting to get a bit scared though, because every year I just get so tired of feeling like this, and so helpless knowing that it's going to be the same year after year after year, and I'm just worried that one day I'm going to give up. I tried a light box a couple of years ago, but it didn't seem to work, but I'm planning on trying again as it's the only thing I've ever heard works. Does anyone know of anything else that I could try as well?
mryouwho joined 14 Oct 2007 9 posts	Posted by mryouwho, 15:54 26 October 2007 Hi Rhiannon, i myself am still learning the science behind my SAD i would like to thank you all for your emails and kind words they have made me feel a lot better i think its great that we can all exchange our thoughts and get it out of our system instead of keeping it to ourselfs when you have no one to talk to on the subject its terrable, i thought i was the only person that was effected in this way, Rhianno have you tryed St johns wort, this herb has been used for hundreds of years and is good for depresion and mild anxiety, other than that i am learning that B-vitamins are also good for your mood, in the ideal world every one with SAD could do with a sunshine holiday for our winter time, realLy feel this would help myself and once returned i would spend 15mins on a sunbed, and also spend some time in front of a light box, has anyone tryed this? and does it work as i spent a whole summer down the beach and used a sunbed until january and it made me feel better for those cold months but within a month of not using the sunbed i was back to doom and gloom, i hope that this plan works all i have is hope and goals, i think it would also be a good idear to keep a diary on day to day on how you are feeling and how the weather is on the day you have your moods, but dont give up hope already i feel better than i did before just by the e-mails and comments i have had, many thanks Chris
sue joined 27 Oct 2007 16 posts	Posted by sue, 18:17 27 October 2007 hi all i have suffered with sad for 13yrs but unlike a lot of u i dont dread winter i love winter as i enjoy the christmas time and the snow etc and even the dark nights its just the winter darkness doesnt like me.I have used a lightbox for years and take prozac to help with the symptoms but obviously they dont help 100% its a case of trying to keep going and talking to people who understand.sue
louise joined 25 Oct 2007 5 posts	Posted by louise, 22:06 27 October 2007 Hi sue, Sorry to hear light box isn't working, I have ordered one just waiting for delivery at the moment. I think it would help if we had more snow in the U.k because that is meant to help. Have spoken to quite a dew people about SAD and apparently the brightness of the snow helps. I haven't been quite so bad today because it has been a bright day. Clocks change tonight though and I must admit I am not looking forward to the dark evenings. Take care. Louise
sue joined 27 Oct 2007 16 posts	Posted by sue, 13:45 28 October 2007 hi louise thanx for your feed back i do find the light box works to a certain extent but i need my prozac as a back up i couldnt manage without it. Does anyone suffer other symptoms with there sad id like to hear from u if u do thanx sue
Ems74 joined 28 Oct 2007 1 posts	Posted by Ems74, 20:25 28 October 2007 Hi to all, i have been officially suffering from SAD for around the last 8 years although looking back it would explain many problems i have dealt with over time. Every year i start to dread september and the clocks going back must be the worst time! When the doctors first diagnosed me I tried a light box and I was unsure as to whether or not it helped but I found that the anti anxiety drug Cipramil has helped a lot. I have also had hypnotherapy from time to time to help with any anxiety and relaxation. This year though i am looking to try a light box again as my 9 year old son has been showing symptoms of sad over the last few years (behaviour changes, more nervous, not being as sociable and suffering more ill health), and i would be really grateful if anybody could recommend a good company or make!
sue joined 27 Oct 2007 16 posts	Posted by sue, 21:03 28 October 2007 hi ems74 i can recomend the national light hire company or outside in both of these i have used to purchase light boxes and have been very helpful. hope this helps sue
Me joined 29 Oct 2007 407 posts	Posted by Me, 13:58 29 October 2007 Gosh all these letters bring me tears. I have endured sad for as long as I can remember - I am now 42! I have a light box - it works as long as I havent got to the depressive stage. This year I am struggling already, as my batteries have not been fully recharged this year due to our awful summer. I liken myself to the Durcell Bunny advert. In summer, I drum really fast. In winter, my batteries fade to almost nothing. Im off to the doctors today, Ive really had enough of feeling everything that is rotten, shattered and lethargic and i've still got months to go. Looking forward to seeing the snowdrops and spring bulbs flower again - as will I. good luck to all this season.
sue joined 27 Oct 2007 16 posts	Posted by sue, 16:48 29 October 2007 hi me; god dont we all sound like desperate souls ive had a bad couple of days what with headaches and a upset stomach all part of my sad as i sem to suffer every year and just generally feelng not myself and worrying about everything im hoping you had some joy at the doctors mine arent very helpful really i find i tell them things about sad rather than them helping me to cope ahh well another day over one step closer to spring yip hee take care
LIW joined 29 Oct 2007 2 posts	Posted by LIW, 18:26 29 October 2007 Hi I would like to know if any of you who suffer for SAD have problems with drugs? I have a brother who I believe suffers for SAD. For the majority of the year he is straight, but usually around this time of year he starts using again. Can somebody give me some advice on how help him help himself?
mryouwho joined 14 Oct 2007 9 posts	Posted by mryouwho, 20:46 29 October 2007 HI LIW it realy all depends on what drugs he is taking, depression can effect us all in different ways, some people drink to escape and some people take drugs to escape and some dont do either, if like you say, its around this time of year he takes drugs then it "could" be that he is suffering with SAD and maybe he doesnt know he has SAD, or he could just have other issues, have you tryed to have a serious talk with your bro on why he takes drugs ? illegal drugs can have a realy bad effect on ones mental wellbeing if he is not stable he could find himself in a lot of danger with mental health, if i were in your shoes i would try helping your brother and confront him on the subject of drugs before it gets out of hand and perhaps try and get him to see his doctor where they can offer him pro help and advise,i wish you all the luck in helping your bro, illegal drugs wont help any ones problems even while they feel good at the time of doing drugs there is always the ballance what goes up must come crashing down and there is no plesure without pain. hope you find this helpfull
CharlieAngel joined 29 Oct 2007 2 posts	Posted by CharlieAngel, 23:17 29 October 2007 Hi all i have listened to all your comments and i think that might be whats wrong with me. I moved to Cyprus in 2003 and i was there for 3 years and i had 1 minor cold and i never felt sad or irritated almost depressed. Since coming back in 2006 i have been very moody, snappy andwhen its dull outside i just shut the curtains and wait for the day to end, i am emotionless and sluggish. Can anyone tell me if this is how this problem starts as i feel like a hypercondriact keep going to the doctor telling them that i aint right and they can't find anything wrong. Can Anyone Help. Thanks
RosieP joined 30 Oct 2007 1 posts	Posted by RosieP, 05:43 30 October 2007 Hello Everyone. Sorry to hear about your problems but have to say I have read them all and found them to be very comforting. I believe I suffer from SAD and can relate to so much which has been outlined. To me it seems to start off as headaches, general lethargy, loss of appetite, general loss of interest in oneself, poor sleep and anxiety/loss of confidence. For some reason I seem to cope okay post Christmas. I am currently living in Glasgow and for the past two years around September time I have felt the same. Interestingly I worked down in London for 5 years and didn't seem to go through the same process. I grew up in Glasgow and looking back I seemed to go through the same symptoms each year. I have read that the further North you are the more pronounced it can be - has anyone experienced that? I do find trying to keep busy, exercise, fresh air and company helps but as others have said I do feel a general reluctance to mix in company when feeling like this. I can relate so much to the idea of just feeling like half a person as in the Summer Months I would say I am a very positive, bubbly and confident individual. I have never tried a light box but it is something which I am definitely going to give a go. I would like to wish everyone well and hopefully like me you can take some comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Best Wishes, Paul
plumbum joined 30 Oct 2007 1 posts	Posted by plumbum, 12:44 30 October 2007 Hi there i have suffered sad for the past 10years but mine is slightly increased by me being diagnosed as clinically depressed i lived in Spain for six months last year and didn't suffer even last winter but this year it's back with a vengeance and we only put the clock back 3 days ago. The only thing to remember is we are not going mad and we are not on our own. Now i'll just hibernate in my cave until spring lol hugs to everyone sue
sue joined 30 Oct 2007 1 posts	Posted by sue, 17:15 30 October 2007 Hi, really interesting reading all your comments; its so good to hear all the support and kindness on a site like this. I am considering getting a light box for my daughter who is bi-polar and who tends to get very depressed about this time of year.As she is a student we think that she will find it difficult to find the right time and place to use a box but think a bodyclock might be worthwhile as waking and getting up gets increasingly difficult for her and seems to have a crucial effect on how she feels for the rest of the day. Does anybody have any relevant experience either with this disorder or with using a bodyclock? Sue
sue joined 27 Oct 2007 16 posts	Posted by sue, 18:54 30 October 2007 hi all,i'm really glad i joined this site it has made a great change to listen to others and be able to say how i feel about my sad i seem to have spent the last ten yrs in my own little bubble with no one quite understanding how i feel so its gd 2 know im not alone i will always remember telling my father in law i had sad and he said to me ur not sad u have always got a smile on ur face!! i think that sums it up really some people just dont understand and never will.sue
Jonny joined 31 Oct 2007 2 posts	Posted by Jonny, 20:04 31 October 2007 hi there guys im sure about this, I dont think anyone likes this time of year when the evenings get dark, im a holiday rep myself so you can imagine that the summer and the winter are very contrasting in terms of the weather lol but I think its about your lifestyle, eat well and get plenty of exercise and try to think positive at all times thats what I would recommend, of course I would admit myself that during the summer im more confident and like chris said I get more attention of girls in the summer as well but this is all to do with the fact that people in the summer generally feel better about themselves, in the winter people start to think negatively and this then results in these symptoms which you describe, think positively and get plenty of exercise thats would I do. Kind Regards, Jon
sue joined 27 Oct 2007 16 posts	Posted by sue, 20:40 31 October 2007 wel jon thanks for your comments but i totally dissagree i love the winter the cold dark nights etc but they just dont like me u cant just say that we automatically think we are depressed or fed up just because the time of the yr i dont like the hot summers but obviously the bright days make me feel good like everyone else.As i have said before people who do not suffer with sad have no idea what we go through and it certainly isnt all in the mind so i hope anyone who is reading this page and is a new member to remember the feelings u r feeling r quite normal its not in your mind and us genuine suffers who understand will help support you.sue
mryouwho joined 14 Oct 2007 9 posts	Posted by mryouwho, 22:58 31 October 2007 Thanks Sue well done word for word, jon if only it was a simple as thinking positive and geting exercise, i do eat well and i exercise, dont know what your implying with your comment, if you havnt experienced sad then you wont understand how people with SAD feel, my fitness is perfect and i eat what is right for myself, and yes these two are important for wellbeing but they will do nothing for SAD, its easy for some one who is not experiencing sad to say its all in the mind, at the same time thanks jon for trying to help
Jonny joined 31 Oct 2007 2 posts	Posted by Jonny, 23:10 31 October 2007 Look guys basically right I dont know many people who particularly like the winter months, they are cold, the weather is normally crap it gets dark early and its difficult to maintain a nice sun tan unless like me you use spray tans lol. Sometimes I feel like I dont particularly feel like getting up in the morning but after ive been for a run the day then begins and you just have to take it in your stride, do your best in whatever you need to do and then have a couple of beers, just remember that at the end of the day nobody likes it when its cold and raining but its all part of living in britain and if you dont like it move to sunnier climates, im not trying to be harsh with people who suffer with this but I really do think its something that you can do something about yourself. Thanks Jon
mryouwho joined 14 Oct 2007 9 posts	Posted by mryouwho, 01:17 1 November 2007 thanks jon i understand what you are saying and i do believe that yes going for a run and taking it in you stride , but when it comes down to having SAD and your trying to take it in your stride its still realy hard as when i am at work i will get comments from people saying are you all right how are you feeling, i say im fine, body langage will all ways give it away for me and having a smile on my face will only work on others if you are happy inside in the first place, i always tryed to get off on a positive start for the day, i can only think positive if i am in the right frame on mind, anxiety i get in the winter is because i look so obvious i.e depressed and looking like this makes me stick out from pritty much every one, when i am depressed i look terable and i do believe in this state of mind i attract more negativity this makes me anoyed because no matter how hard i try it it only exchasts me to the point of having no energy, its not about having a tan although this did cross my mind where i thought women were taking a intrest in me as it makes a healthy look, the girlfriends i have had, the relationship all started in the summer after a few winters of being in a relationship it is very hard on the partner who hasnt got SAD. the sun truely does lift and charge me, energy is over flowing a smile comes natral, i can go shoping with out anxiety because i am not depressed i feel great, SAD is like having waights locked to my feet, i have a good positive look on life and every thing around me when i am in the sun it realy is hard to explane the only way a can is winter i am not just a "little" under the weather, i am wasted, summer time i am so content i do anything to stay there, and this is what i am trying to do, i am learning everything i can to help aid me but it is just great to be around others that know what i am going through makes me feel like i aint alone on this, i rather chat to others, than do it alone, so why are you here jon?
Tiny joined 1 Nov 2007 1 posts	Posted by Tiny, 10:36 1 November 2007 Hi everyone, I'm a sufferer and have been for as long as I can remember. My 'remedies' include exercise (in the gym and outdoors), chocolate and alcohol (small amounts!). When I had the money I'd go abroad during Christmas/New Year. That helped a great deal. This year I'm going to buy daylight energy lightbulbs 125/130w and see if they help at home. The alternative is to paint the walls bright yellow! I have an old Bodyclock I bought from OutsideIn about 5 years ago that helps, just needs to emit enough light for the whole bedroom rather than a section. Maybe it's time for an upgrade.
mryouwho joined 14 Oct 2007 9 posts	Posted by mryouwho, 11:52 1 November 2007 hi Tiny could you give more details on the bodyclock like what this it is, im intrested, also great idear about bright cheerfull paint, have herd that this is good for the mood do you think these daylight energy lightbulbs are the same as theses lightboxes? many thanks Chris
steve joined 1 Nov 2007 1 posts	Posted by steve, 19:16 1 November 2007 hi everyone im a sufferer from sad im glad iv found someone else out there who knows wat im going thru.i went to my doctor about this an he told me it was all in my head.i some times sit in tears i feel so deprest with this is there anything anyone can recomend to me
sue joined 27 Oct 2007 16 posts	Posted by sue, 20:42 1 November 2007 hi steve youve made a start already in helping yourself by joining in on this chat i feel it will do us all the world of good to be able to talk to someone whos in the same position i too feel like you do and i also suffer other symptoms soon that really get me down i have had some bad experiences with the doctors but they dont know enough about sad i often get asked questions when i go so they can find out more obviously this isnt helpful to me when i need someone to talk to so im glad i found this page i think i can say for all of us that we could make a great sad family and help one another until the sun shines brightly for us all again take care sue
Hannah joined 21 Oct 2007 3 posts	Posted by Hannah, 23:48 1 November 2007 Hi all. It is really encouraging to read all your comments. I loved the one from ME relating herself to a duracell bunny, beating really fast in the summer and slowly in the winter. I find this too, I'm creative, inventive and fun to be around April- August (not long I know!!), the rest of the year I can be nervous, forgetful and unsure of myself with low self esteem and negative thoughts. It's really rubbish because it has meant that I have been able to perform well in summer exams but then have found myself dropping out of things- courses, jobs the following winter. I have sometimes found myself becoming hyper in the summer especially in my early twenties, where I would make decisions without thinking them through or how they made other people feel, spending lots of money and going off in tangents. Regarding the drugs side of thing I think a number of people who suffer from this type of problem may find themselves dabbling in drugs. They release the hormones seratonin and dopamine that you are lacking when you are depressed and this obviously releives the symptoms for a while. The only problem is that in the long run you are going to be doing much more harm than good. The light boxes work by releasing these happy hormones- the medical thinking behind this is that the light reaches the back of the eye (retina) and sends impulses to a part of the brain called the hypothalamus which controls mood, appetite, sleep, sex drive and regulates hormones. One of these hormones is serotonin and so the more light we have( as SAD suffers especailly) the happier we are. Anything we can do to help our brain release more of these happy hormones the better ( as long as it is not illegal drugs). Foods which help the release of these "happy" hormones in the brain include chocolate and bananas. No this is not just a way of excusing ourselves from eating bananas smothered in chocolate, there is scientific reasoning to it- these foods contain chemicals which are used by the body to made these hormones. I have joined the SAD Association recently which keeps you updated on SAD- it was only £12 I think. The website address is www.sada.org.uk. Their latest entries by suffers are encouraging SAD suffers to make sure they get enough Omega 3 in their diets. Omega 3 ( found in oily fish such as sardines, mackeral, pilchards and salmon, not tinned tuna) helps the brain to function properly ( keeps the messages flowing properly ). Every one knows the saying that fish is good for the brain.. well its true. If people aren't too keen on fish then taking daily cod liver oil (Omega-3) supplements is an option. There has been a some scientific research on this concluding that " Daily cod liver oil users were less likely to have high levels of depression ". Just something to keep in mind. Regarding lightboxes I have found the Philips ones pretty good- they delivered mine quickly and they look really nice- don't look too clinical. These are from Lightbox UK - www.sadbox.co.uk. Hope this helps. Its great to read all your comments so keep it up. Best wishes Hannah
Hannah joined 21 Oct 2007 3 posts	Posted by Hannah, 23:58 1 November 2007 Wow, just saw my reply and didn't realise it would be that long- sorry!! Had a quick look through the messages and I would just like to say that lack of light is probably the problem for you CHARLIE ANGEL. SAD is a medically recognised condition (although that doesn't mean that your GP will definately be up to date on it) and you are not a hypercondriact. Have a look at the advice that I and others have given on the site and check out the other websites given. Best Wishes Hannah
Me joined 29 Oct 2007 407 posts	Posted by Me, 14:18 2 November 2007 Just to let you all know that I (alias the Duracell Bunny) did manage to get to the doctors. She was very helpful and immediately offered to organise a light box for me - fantastic. I have, however, already got a light box and a dawn simulator, but felt an immediate relief and respect for her. She recognised my associated depression and prescribed Prozac. Since then I visited the Apollo website and found that my bodyclock was totally wrong. It told me that the best time for me to receive my light is at 6.30am. So I now wake up with help of serious lights, at 6.30am for 45mins. Take my tablet, take kids to school then go for a run or aerobic class. People start to be liking me again and I am now have been invited for coffee everyday since. My dizzy fairy dust head has gone and I seem better able to access my intelligence - you will all know what I mean. Also my cravings for carboyhydrate has gone too, so Im losing weight. I suppose I am just extremely sensitive, and am lucky it is all working so quickly, but equally my sensitivity dictates that I will fall back quickly too. I also got a book out of the library called Winter Blues by Norman E Rosenthal MD - interesting reading, especially in those mornings in bed with my light box on overdrive. One of the things I shamelessly hadnt realised is that if you have a condition, such as cataracts, it obviously stops some light entering the back of the eye which can make the condition worse. My only problem now is getting away from my light box, it bathes me in such wonderful light that I find it hard to switch it off - but I know that if I have too much then the manic phase starts! Keep going Spring lovers, we will get there together. ME
Me joined 29 Oct 2007 407 posts	Posted by Me, 14:33 2 November 2007 To finish off my above previous message, I thought Id better let you also know that my doctor has arranged for me to revisit in a weeks time, and then again for support. She will then organise for some cognitive therapy (for me, not her!!haha). Her support seems brilliant to date, long may it last.
sue joined 27 Oct 2007 16 posts	Posted by sue, 17:33 5 November 2007 hi me glad u have found a doctor thats so understanding and seems to be up on all the information on sad just wish that we could all have understanding doctors.Well its that time of yr the clocks have gone bk and its now dark very early on but i must say it doesnt get me down like a very grey gloomy day i am looking forward to xmas so thats sumin to look 4ward 2 i suppose my mood may slip once the festivities are all over they do say jan and feb can be the worse for sad suffers but i shall plough on reguardless.sue
Me joined 29 Oct 2007 407 posts	Posted by Me, 17:53 5 November 2007 hi ya sue, Im looking forward to christmas as well for the first time. I usually spend most of it either in bed or antisocialy isolated from the family, cause Im too tired and flat to go with them. Lets hope our mood holds. take care ME x
sue joined 27 Oct 2007 16 posts	Posted by sue, 18:44 5 November 2007 hi mejust reread some of the letters and noticed on yours that u had been precribed prozac from your doctor hows that going? also do u ever find urself wanting to drop of in front of ur light box?. thanx sue
Me joined 29 Oct 2007 407 posts	Posted by Me, 21:04 5 November 2007 Sue It is supposed to take 3 weeks to completely work. I have only been taking it for a week with combination of light and exercise, so its hard to say how well Prozac is working on its own. It apparently does not cause drowiness but can also cause delays with people being able to get to sleep (according ti the chemist)- so that was fine by me. I felt abit jumpy for a few days then loads better. I never feel like falling asleep in front of my light as I have it so close and bright, also the area in which it is located is also white, so that the light bounces back. I feel totally comforted, warm and secure within it. I never want to switch it off. It can however, make me hyper-active if i have too much, and I start planning dates and meetings and house extensions(!) that I just would not be able to do on a bad day. So I have to be careful. I would be interested if you are a spontaneous person or a planner, as I find it so difficult usually to plan any activity and wondered whether it was a secret SAD symtom. regards ME
sue joined 27 Oct 2007 16 posts	Posted by sue, 21:17 5 November 2007 hi again me thanx 4 replying bk i was told u had to keep ur light box at least a couple of feet away from u and not to stare into the light so im not sure if i have been doing it wrong for the last ten yrs lol.in answer to wot u said about being a planner i do plan lots of things as i work for myself and have to keep on top at all times other wise my buisness wud go down the pan i do feel some daysm that i cant be bothered but u have to carry on.I also suffer with negative thoughts in thrm winter months that can drag me down but on a positive note prozac is fantastic i have taken it for ten yrs approx and it really does help.sue
Me joined 29 Oct 2007 407 posts	Posted by Me, 22:20 5 November 2007 Sue You're right about the distance and not staring. I normally read with it directly in front of me, reflecting off the paper. I have been told that the bulbs need to be replaced from time to time so that it can work effectively - could that be the answer. Glad that Prozac works for you. I feld really guilty and upset in seeking help this year, but I realise now that I have actually just accepted that I have SAD proper. Yes, I knew I have suffered from it for years, but I never asked for help- just used my lightbox- and got on with it. I didnt realise how it effected everyone around me. That was until this week, when I feel totally stable
rhiannon joined 26 Oct 2007 19 posts	Posted by rhiannon, 12:08 6 November 2007 Hi ME, you said that your doctor is organizing a light box. Is that on the NHS or will you have to pay? I'm asking because at the moment I really want to try a light box, but have so little money that I just can't afford one. On the subject of planning, I think it might well be a symptom. I don't tend to be much of a planner all through the year, but in summer I can get away with it and things will still get done (albeit in a slightly haphazard manner!). In the winter though, if I don't plan I just spend days in bed and get overwhelmed at thinking about doing the slightest thing. This year I'm trying to sort that be writing lists in the evening of what I have to do the next day in the order I'm going to do them, and I'm finding that it is keeping me a little less stressed than before as things are step by step rather than all clamoring for attention at once.
sue joined 27 Oct 2007 16 posts	Posted by sue, 12:43 6 November 2007 hi rhiannon i have just read ur message to me have u thought of looking on the national light hire company and u can hire a light box at a very reasonable price hope this helps sue
Me joined 29 Oct 2007 407 posts	Posted by Me, 13:10 6 November 2007 rhiannon She offered to organise a light box - but as I already had one, I declined her offer and didnt progress it further. I did enter her office in a really pitiful state. I was so pleased to see her I blubbed and blubbed - so depressed I couldnt think straight. I suppose I looked (and was) desperate, and she was understanding of SAD. If I do have to plan anything, then it is like writing in pen in your diary as upposed to pencil. If it is cancelled I get frustrated and fed up. I find it hard to understand my husbands constant need to plan then later cancel those plans. It can drive me potty in the winter. Good idea to sort out your brain by writing things down though. Youll get great satisfaction in ticking your finished jobs off, and at the end of the day you will realise that actually you have done much more than your SAD brain portrays. ME
Shell joined 7 Nov 2007 1 posts	Posted by Shell, 10:58 7 November 2007 Hi, I have found this very interesting and am thinking of buying a light box. There are so many on ebay for a fraction of the price paid on other websites. Check it out... Shell.x
anita hickiman joined 9 Nov 2007 1 posts	Posted by anita hickiman, 17:21 9 November 2007 Hello my name is Anita i have just done the questionare and have a test core 21 what would be the next step for me to take can anybody advise me not sure what to do thanks
Kayley joined 11 Nov 2007 1 posts	Posted by Kayley, 01:23 11 November 2007 Hi there, this has been so interesting. I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder about a year ago, I tried Prozac but it did nothing for me. The doctors just kind of gave up on me and my life has been hell. But the more and more i read through this, the more and more it seems to make sense that this could be what I have. Does anyone else have trouble sleeping at night? I seem to have thoughts just rushing through my head all at once, and I can't shut off and get to sleep no matter how tired I am. Thank you for all your very helpful comments on here, it has really touched me and helped me boyfriend to gain some kind of understanding. Kayley M x
puddleshy joined 12 Nov 2007 37 posts	Posted by puddleshy, 14:48 12 November 2007 Kayley, I can't sleep at all at night - I nod off infront of the TV by when I go to bed - that is when the trouble starts - pure panic and anxiety takes over - any tiny issue becomes MAJOR and coping with anything is hard. Just ordered a light box and also taking 5-HTP although haven't seen any results from the 5-HTP yet - been taking it for 3 weeks only though.
Me joined 29 Oct 2007 407 posts	Posted by Me, 20:44 12 November 2007 Hi Kayley I also have problems dropping off to sleep at night when I am shattered, else I wake up in the early hours and can not get back to sleep till just before the alarm goes off. Personally, this tends to happen for an uncalculated period of time which always starts late October/early November. This is when I realise that SAD is kicking in again. I have also realised this year that I also become stroppy and argue about silly things like Mars Bars at this time - getting it all totally out of proportion. This is the time when I know I have to start my light treatment else paranoia, then depression sets in. Light treatment and exercise in place, I am hugely better. My husband now stays with me for a short time each morning while I absorb the light. He feels more with it too - he does not have SAD. Good Luck ME x
LIW joined 29 Oct 2007 2 posts	Posted by LIW, 21:33 12 November 2007 Thank you for the comments. I will talk to my brother, as soon as he comes down from his high. He has lost his job again, and has no money. He is not answering his telephone, or his doorbell. I know that he is in his apartment only because of the special code he has between his son's mother and him. Please I do not know what more to do for him. He stop going to his therapist, and do not let any boy in right now. Is there anybody out their that is going thru the same thing rightnow or knows somebody who is going thru something like this?
mryouwho joined 14 Oct 2007 9 posts	Posted by mryouwho, 14:09 13 November 2007 thanks Annette, i have been to my doctors so many times i have lost count i used to take anti depresants zespin and now i take propanahol for anxiety, its hard to explane myself to my doctor, i feel he is not on my side, i have, wrote my problems out on two sheets of paper trying to get my point across and he replyed with there are a number of good books out there for self help and printed me a list of them, i have been feeling terable the last two weeks, i have a smile on my face i try my utmost best to come across positive to others around me in my line of work as it involves dealing with the genaral puplic, but all i get back is negativity, its a cruel world, i just want to stay home away from it all, yet if it was summer i still carry my scars from winter being all the negativity i have off others, and it takes me by shock as i have to adjust to excepting all the positivity, i feel like i am going mad , just wish some one could swap positions with me and see this ying yang effect i have between the winter and summer, i wish every one was as friendly as the people we have on this site,
mryouwho joined 14 Oct 2007 9 posts	Posted by mryouwho, 14:16 13 November 2007 has any one who has just bought a light box seen any improvement on how they are feeling? any info would be great, thanks chris
rhiannon joined 26 Oct 2007 19 posts	Posted by rhiannon, 14:30 13 November 2007 Hi Kayley, I have the same problem with sleep, and can't get my mind to switch off. Strangely I have almost no trouble sleeping in the daytime. I think one of the problems with sleeping in the night is that I know that the sooner I go to sleep, the sooner I'll have to cope with another morning. Does anyone else feel that way? I was wondering, do you still feel like you have Borderline personality, or do you think it is just the SAD? I ask because for a while before I realised I had SAD I thought I had Borderline because I had such self-destructive ways of dealing with my depression. I would spend most of my time drunk, take drugs, sleep around, self harm etc etc, and it was only when I realised that I had SAD that I managed to stop doing these things (barring the occasional relapse).
CharlieAngel joined 29 Oct 2007 2 posts	Posted by CharlieAngel, 15:20 13 November 2007 Thanks for your support everyone and you comments. This is great!!! Thinking about emegrating again, i honestly think its the only answer for me. :-)
earthangel joined 17 Nov 2007 2 posts	Posted by earthangel, 23:51 17 November 2007 hiya i have just ordered one of the light boxes from ebay cant wait for it to arrived i have had this condition for years and so know how you are all feeling reading your messages makes me want to curl up i just want to hibernate like an hedgehog every winter seems worse than the last one in how it affects me im currently taking prozac its helped a little cant wait for the light box i that desperate today i put my facial tanner on for few mins i perked up straight away so im sure the lightbox will help as there brighter julie
curlyperkins joined 18 Nov 2007 13 posts	Posted by curlyperkins, 23:06 18 November 2007 Just been reading the messages. I also have SAD and was diagnosed 12 years ago. I use a lightbox which I got from one of the shopping channels for around £86 - it is small and fits into a handbag - and also use my Dawn Alarm (from InsideOut - £59). This is great especially if you have to get up in the dark winter hours for work. I am also on Prozac, - I was fortunate that my (new) doctor recognised the symptoms and referred me to the Department of Psychiatry. One of the signs of SAD is that the body temeprature is often lower than usual - which creates problems if you are feeling unwell!!!I have the acute form of SAD which manifests itself by feeling "foggy" all day, not wanting to get up in the morning, going to bed at 9.00pm in the winter, and stuffing carbs!!!I also fall asleep at around 4.00pm each day and my thinking process slows down. I also had slurred speech at nighty, but this seems to have gone now. We had a conservatory built onto our kitchen three years ago, and I spend a lot of time in there, - this has helped me greatly - when I was working I was in a room without natural light, which aggravated my condition so badly that I had to be re sited into a brighter room. One really helpful thing is to have a holiday in the sun as late in the season as possible. This helps to get you through the Christmas months, Sunbeds don't help - wrong sort of light. You need "white light". I've learnt how to pace myself now, but still count the days until the clocks go forward.
puddleshy joined 12 Nov 2007 37 posts	Posted by puddleshy, 07:16 19 November 2007 mryouknow who - I've been using my sad lamp for 5 days now since it arrived and I'm worshiping it - feel loads better already and am starting to see an improvement in my sleep patterns already. Its a bit of a clumsy lamp, in that it is not very portable but I use it mainly in the evening from about 5 onwards and first thing in the morning - don't take it to work with me and then I've got something to look forward to when I get home. My daughter also loves it even though she's not a sad sufferer - it puts everyone in a good mood and when we turn it off we realise what a dull world we are really living in (we'll from my perspective as a SAD sufferer anyhow):-) Shortest day soon.... roll on spring... Oh I got the Lumie Brightlight desklamp by the way £129
puddleshy joined 12 Nov 2007 37 posts	Posted by puddleshy, 07:18 19 November 2007 sorry I meant mryouwho!
Frank joined 19 Nov 2007 1 posts	Posted by Frank, 16:29 19 November 2007 Hi, Im just wondering if anyone has the same symptoms as me. I feel nervous talking to people, get all red in my face, irritable and starting to hate myself. I had a bad experience about 5 years ago that has had a profound and long lasting effect on me. Basically a rumour started in my home town that I was a homosexual (not that there is anything wrong with that) but i am not. I was very low at the time and lost all my friends (wouldnt talk to me) and I stopped going out etc. Gradually I became paranoid talking to people for fear that they would think I was gay as soon as I spoke to them. I have a good relationship with my girlfriend for two years and she knows the story. However, my paranoia, fear, self confidence drop, nervousness, and irritable look on the face all get multiplied by a thousand this time of the year!
rhiannon joined 26 Oct 2007 19 posts	Posted by rhiannon, 20:31 19 November 2007 Hi Frank, I certainly understand what you mean. I tend to be quite nervous and paranoid around new people at the best of times, but in the winter it is definitely a lot worse. I always assumed that people wouldn't like me when I met them, and it's something which I've been able to overcome, but at this time of year I have to keep on constantly reminding myself that I'm being paranoid. I think that any kind of insecurity that is present does try to make itself known when you're down in the winter, so the only way around it is to try and remember that in the summer you don't feel it as much, so it can't be true. I do understand how hard it is to keep perspective though!
Dreaminglink joined 20 Nov 2007 1 posts	Posted by Dreaminglink, 19:29 20 November 2007 I've found that higher doses of Vitamin D have helped me with this. Taking a daily supplement of around 1,000 units of D is, for me, very beneficial. I noticed the difference right away.
puddleshy joined 12 Nov 2007 37 posts	Posted by puddleshy, 11:58 22 November 2007 I'm feeling so much better with my SAD lamp only after just a week of using it! Yipeeeee.
Pixie joined 29 Nov 2007 2 posts	Posted by Pixie, 16:50 29 November 2007 I have just been living over in Northern Ireland for 2 years. And can defenitely say I have the same symptoms. I come from a warm country where we have long summers and even in winter we would have sun. I hate this part of the year and find that even though I am normally a sociable person I am not when it comes to winter. I am very anxious lately and just snap at anybody. How many times should one use the sunbed to over come this. I am sad and generally unhappy this time of the year. It just feels like you can not face each day and dont have the strenght to carry on. A lot of people even laugh when you mention SAD. I can not even get excited about Christmas this year.
curlyperkins joined 18 Nov 2007 13 posts	Posted by curlyperkins, 13:40 30 November 2007 I have similar feelings Pixie - I am finding it difficult to get out of bed and I am totally inert most of the day. I am also avoiding going out, which is something that happens at this time of year. Shame Christmas is not in the summer. Even my own family doe not realise what it feels like, they just think EVERYONE feels "tired" in the winter. I think there should be more publicity about SAD so thaqt others see it as a real dysfunction. My light box definitely helps.
Pixie joined 29 Nov 2007 2 posts	Posted by Pixie, 14:25 30 November 2007 Thanks for the reply Curleyperkins. I do agree that they should give SAD more publicity. Just so that more people can understand that this is not just some exuse. It is good to know thought that there is other people out there. I really did not know what was going on with me in the beginning. Cant really say that ani-depressants work. i have tried Prozac and Ciprimal and just found that it took all my emotions away. Also dont want to survive aech year without caring about anything.
J joined 30 Nov 2007 1 posts	Posted by J, 15:35 30 November 2007 Hi All, I don't myself suffer from SAD, however i do believe my partner does. When we 1st met in October 7yrs ago we believed he was depressed, sleeping all the time, not interested in work, life or anything etc. It took me over a year of support, patience and major encouragement to get him to the docs where he was given anti depressants and advised to go to counselling. After 1 mth he stopped taking the medication as he felt better, and attended no counselling, this was in the spring. Since then we have been through major ups and downs and separated on many occasions. We also have a 2yr old. I have been so supportive and understanding and i do believe it is SAD he suffers but i feel i cant be the 1 to help him if he wont help himself. We are currently on a break.....ie he packed a bag and took off because he cant take any more. Can anyone at all help? Can anyone tell me what its like living with a SAD sufferer and how they cope? I really love him but its so hard to keep loving someone who doesnt love them self. Thanks
curlyperkins joined 18 Nov 2007 13 posts	Posted by curlyperkins, 23:08 1 December 2007 Hi J I was interested in our post as it sounds just like my son! I have had SAD for many years and I am more and more convinced that he has it too but he won't acknowledge this. He is very down during the winter months and guaranteed if he leavesa job it is during the winter, because "he can't take it any more" not sure if he means the winter or the job. He has now moved to the East Midlands from the South and it seems to be worse. It was interesting that one of the posts said that it gets worse the further north you go.Sometimes you have to let people hit rock bottom before they are willing to listen. I bought him a dawn simulator which he said was great but it got broklen and has never been replaced. Maybe if you and your partner get back together you an use a lightbox "when he is around " and get a dawn simulator as a "new type of alarm clock".I just completely hole up in the winter, luckily I am now retired (yippee)but my family, though sympathetic still can't understand why I don't want to socialise in the winter and dread the Christmas party season.My sister is convinced that it is all in the mind and thinksI shouldn't spenmd so m uch time analysing my feelings. Even when I told her that my doctor had referred my to the Dept of Psychiatry for assessment she still thought I was making a mountain out of a molehill.I have been assessed as having the most acute form of SAD but after the appointment and diagnosis nothing happened. I was put on Prozac (12 years ago now) and apart from that I haven't been offered anything. What do you have to do to get counselling?Does it help?
curlyperkins joined 18 Nov 2007 13 posts	Posted by curlyperkins, 23:11 1 December 2007 Sorry!The last bit on my post was for anyone generally that can answer my query.
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 20:36 5 December 2007 I have suffered from sad for 3 years now ever since I had surgery in Dec. but My problem is i don't sleep enough I have the symptoms of summer sad but in the winter. the gp can't understand it. I have a light box and use it when I can't get outside. Has anyone else have this problem.
adam from hitchin joined 10 Dec 2007 1 posts	Posted by adam from hitchin, 10:14 10 December 2007 Similarly think I've suffered this for years. It might well explain the bizarre devotion I had to snow as a child and even now; I think it turns the whole environment into a light box at a dull time of year. I'm intrigued by the vitamin D comment. I know it's only produced by the body in sunlight, so it makes perfect sense, but would like to know if there's other studies to show a link between mood and vitamin D. Now here's one for you. I would like to know if sufferers are more likely to have been born in the later winter months. I'm a capricorn and reckon it means I am more prone to SAD. Why? Because my mother would have been subject to less light during pregnancy. Just a hunch I have. Along with a feeling that I'm closer related to the hibernating hedgehog than most. That was a joke that one. Light box has been on my desk over last 5 years at 3 different companies. Always get treated like a leper for it, apart from the girls who relate to it. Have same paranoias in winter as others on this blog. Dawn simulator has worked-ish, but reckon on getting a teasmade to give me a short term reason to get up. I need the sugar I think to get metabolism started. Also have a theory that sufferers have lower blood pressure than average. Deep breathing when you wake and a glass of water can help to raise you from slumber. It washes away the sleepy hormone from your saliva I understand.
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 16:39 10 December 2007 good point about the water adam thanks I will try it. My tongue is always white a feels like chalk.
lightbearer joined 11 Dec 2007 1 posts	Posted by lightbearer, 01:39 11 December 2007 has anyone tried God? We`are discussing our problems as if we have no spiritual connection with a living and true God. If lack of light bothers you, you will be completely blown over when you watch the news. When we wake up to the evils in and around us without running from it we will see we desparately need a savior and there is one. His name is Jesus and He absolutely cured my depression. I was depressed for 5 years until I surrendered to Him and recognized it was a sin problem. We are all in sin. Once we see that the problem is easy to solve. Just thought I'd share what really helps.
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 02:49 11 December 2007 Lightbearer So if god and Jesus cured your depression What are you doing posting on this site. This is a site for People who have SAD. That is totally different from having a sin problem. Mabe you should get the facts. I believe in God and Jesus and that can't cure my SAD.
rhiannon joined 26 Oct 2007 19 posts	Posted by rhiannon, 11:40 11 December 2007 Hi Curleyperkins, I've had councelling before in the winer, and I'm not really sure whether it worked or not. For the tmes that you need to vent and don't want to lay it all on family and friends its pretty useful :) As for how to get an appointment in the first place it sounds like they've really been hopeless with you! I think I was lucky becauae I was a student, and waiting lists are shorter then. I know this sounds really awful, but something I've been recommending to my boyfriend who wants to go to councelling is that he exagerrates his problems when talking o the doctor, ideally mentioning a drinking problem and suicidal thoughts... but this may be a little unethical (when I did it I had an appointment within a week though). Best of luck with it though
admin joined 17 Oct 2002 47 posts	Posted by admin, 16:27 11 December 2007 There is also a Forum on this site for more chat, rants, support and advice on all SAD-related stuff! Not sure if everyone realises!
curlyperkins joined 18 Nov 2007 13 posts	Posted by curlyperkins, 16:34 11 December 2007 Hi Rhiannon - yes think I have slipped through the n et! I am a well controlled diabetic and saw my consultant for a review and told him that I was having trouble with carb. cravings due to the SAD. He contacted the Dept. of Psychiatry which initially diagnosed me but they class me as "walking wounded" and not unwell enough to have input as the system is so overloaded. Luckily my husband is a counsellor and understands by problems but can't really work with me because of professional ethics. I just wondered whether counselling was the nor. or whether you have to be "desperate" to get some sort of support. I must say I feel a lot better now that I know there are other people out there who have the same issues. On with the lightbox and dawn simulator, and countdown to clocks going forward. I know most people feel worse after Christmas but I always feel a bit better as we are coming out of the dark and towards light, so start the countdown on January 1st.(89 days) which means today there are only 109 days to go!!!!
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 16:41 11 December 2007 curlyperkins I to feel better after christmas. I think it is because you know the days are getting longer. Here in Canada you want support it is not easy to get. You end up waiting 3 months and the spring is here and you don't need it anymore. They just don't get it.
rhiannon joined 26 Oct 2007 19 posts	Posted by rhiannon, 16:58 11 December 2007 I had the same thing for years Stained Glass Lady - I'd put mysef on a waiting list in about August/Sept and by the timeI was offered an appointment I was fine! I normally feel worst in Jan/Feb, but it is very encouraging seeing the countdown there curleyperkins, I think might start doing that on my calendar!
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 17:00 11 December 2007 I feel worse in mid nov, dec, and part of jan. then the days start to get longer.
Marcus joined 12 Dec 2007 1 posts	Posted by Marcus, 13:28 12 December 2007 My 2 year old son (3 in Jaunuary)exhibits alot of the symptons of SAD. He refuses to eat anything after breakfast, loses a vast amount of weight. Goes to sleep at 5pm collapsing on the sofa, wakes at 4-5am every morning. He sobs constantly like a really unhappy child (not normal at all for him). This behaviour has started in late October and disappears by about February and his normal behaviour resumes. Last year we sought medical treatment but after running normal medical tests everything came back negative. However it's happening all over again this year and we're starting to get a little worried. We have two other children that are unaffected. Does anyone have any suggestions? How do we get this properly diagnosed?
misty joined 12 Dec 2007 5 posts	Posted by misty, 15:17 12 December 2007 Hi. my names Misty. My boyfriend just suggested to me today that i might have SAD, because the last winter and this one i've hardly been outside, im just wanting to stay in bed all day. Constantly having headaches or feeling sick and not wanting any physical contact. I just let myself go and i hate it. Unfortunatly theres no way i can fork out for a lightbox. Are there any cheaper things that would work to help me battle this condition?
Cazz joined 12 Dec 2007 2 posts	Posted by Cazz, 16:06 12 December 2007 Misty, I can really sympathise. I've suffered from Winter Blues for years which this year went to full SAD that had to be treated with antidepressants. Thankfully I'm out of the hole now and off that but I don't want to go through that again so did a bit of research for myself. I've come to the conclusion that SAD isn't so much a disorder as an evolutionary adaptation us northern Europeans have for life at these latitudes. Time was, the onset of darker days would stimulate us to fatten up on the autumn food glut then conserve energy through the lean winter months by sleeping a lot and being as inactive as possible. Thinking of it that way it really makes sense for us to be sluggish and antisocial at this time of year :) Unfortunately it just doesn't fit with the way we want to live these days! Since I got my head round that, coping with it has become a lot easier. To keep myself active I make sure to stretch the day length out to at least 12 hours. Waking up in the dark is totally unnatural so I have a bedside lamp on a time-switch (£3.95 at Tesco!) that comes on an hour before I get up in the morning. I try not to sleep more than 9 hours in any day (the production of the melatonin you need for sleep scavenges serotonin out of your brain). In the morning I drink a big glass of skimmed milk with my breakfast to make sure I have plenty of tryptophan to kick-start serotonin production for the day. On bad days I drink 2-3 cups of St John's Wort tea which you can get for ~£3 for 20 bags from most health food stores. The other thing is force yourself to get outside as much as you can. Even overcast days in winter are brighter than inside so go for a walk round the block at lunchtime and get some fresh air. Hope that helps you as much as it did me :)
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 16:30 12 December 2007 Marcus It takes 2 years for the doctors to diagnose sad. You will have to be firm with your Doctor. Get your son out into the sunlight as much as possible.
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 16:34 12 December 2007 MIsty I say the same to you get outside even if it an overcast day for a long walk you need to exercise. There is enough light to help you somewhat and go to see your GP.
misty joined 12 Dec 2007 5 posts	Posted by misty, 17:57 12 December 2007 Thanx guys. Thats really helped. Im gonna go see my doctor on friday and see what else he recommends coz i really hate feeling like this. And its affecting my relationship 2-i just get grumpy with him for no reason. It feels a lot better being able to put a name to the way i feel. Thanx again.
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 18:09 12 December 2007 you are welcome and let us know how things are going.
sue joined 27 Oct 2007 16 posts	Posted by sue, 18:50 12 December 2007 hi all well i cant believe how many people have joined this site with sad i was always sure there wasnt that many people around who had it its great to know we are not alone and we can all help one another . i have heard if u have a baby in the winter months u r more likely to develope sad and in my case that is true i had my daughter in march and i was born in october so we are both classed as winter babies maybe there is something in it?.
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 18:59 12 December 2007 I was born in October and my daughter was born in Jan. I hope she doesn't get this.
dixietrix joined 13 Dec 2007 3 posts	Posted by dixietrix, 08:56 13 December 2007 Hi all Just jumped on here quickly before I go for a nap! It dawned on me today I may have SAD. Ever since I remember I always suffer with tiredness at this time of year and always thought it was down to my sleep apneao as I have nasal problems. However I have swift mood swings, no libido and just cant get anything done without a cup of coffee (Silly I know!) Im just so tired!! I keep doing pregnancy tests as I remember how tired I felt when I was pregnant before but Im not! No matter how early I go to bed, when I wake, Its like my heads been superglued to my pillow!!! I look after my daughter during the day and work with a disabled child in the evenings and weekends so have to have the patience of a saint, which in the summer is easy, but now....no chance!!! I would love to get a light box but at this time of year, Im already skint with xmas coming. Im defo going to try the Johns Wort tea and Vit D pills though. Does napping help? I was born November and my sister in september and Im sure she has it too.
rhiannon joined 26 Oct 2007 19 posts	Posted by rhiannon, 09:34 13 December 2007 I hate to spoil the month theory, but all the members of my family who suffer from this were born in the summer, including myself (May baby). It's funny though, because a few weeks ago I was wondering if it was just summer babies people who had it as the winter would happen after they were used to it being warm and sunny! A couple of you have mentioned low libido now, and i was wondering if there's anything any of you have found to help that? I know it's not one of the most importants problems, but I'm finding it hard to explain to my boyfriend that it's the winter and not him, especially since we've just moved in together - i think he thinks we're doomed!
mryouwho joined 14 Oct 2007 9 posts	Posted by mryouwho, 14:41 13 December 2007 great subject on the time of year that we are born at, as i myself was born in January and often wondered if this had anything to do with my sad, i am also amazed of how many people have joined this page, and i am also very thankfull of all the emails i have recieved with the same effects of SAD as myself, thanks a lot to all of you, i feel a lot more positive on the matter and feel relieved that i have not been cursed.. lol
curlyperkins joined 18 Nov 2007 13 posts	Posted by curlyperkins, 02:06 14 December 2007 I was born in February and my son, who also has SAD was born at the end of September. Interesting theory. My daughter has ME and it is interesting how similar the symptoms are to SAD,ie tiredness, lethargy , lack of motivation etc.I wonder if a light box might help her too.
misty joined 12 Dec 2007 5 posts	Posted by misty, 12:05 14 December 2007 Today im feeling really bad. Only just got up at quarter to 12 and i planned to get lots done today-even go to the doctors but i really cant be bothered. So instead im just curled up in bed thinking about going to sleep again. I hate feeling like this.
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 12:09 14 December 2007 I have been awake since 4am I am going to the doctors and then I have alot of other things to do. You have to force yourself the exercies will do you some good. Good luck hope you feel better soon.
rhiannon joined 26 Oct 2007 19 posts	Posted by rhiannon, 13:15 14 December 2007 Misty, try to make sure you don't beat yourself up about not being able to get things done that you planned. I always give myself huge guilt trips whenever I get like that and it makes it even worse - just concentrate on the fact thatyou can still get up and do lots tomorrow instead.
misty joined 12 Dec 2007 5 posts	Posted by misty, 16:39 14 December 2007 cheers. Actually it turned out to be ok today. I had an assignment due in for uni and i had already decided that it'd just have to go in late but then i got a phone call from my friend who asked me to come meet her-i really didnt want to but she persuaded me and today ended up ok. Got my assignment finished and handed in and am on my way to the doctors now. Hooray
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 16:43 14 December 2007 good for you misty.
rhiannon joined 26 Oct 2007 19 posts	Posted by rhiannon, 17:28 14 December 2007 well done :)
dixietrix joined 13 Dec 2007 3 posts	Posted by dixietrix, 17:33 14 December 2007 well done! I think its just making that first step! Im still managing the gym 3-4 times a week but I go on the way from dropping my daughter at school. I dont go home first or I wont get there! A friend of mine has MS and she is tired all the time. She went to a fatigue management course and they said not to be hard on yourself, if you cant get it done, dont worry, do it later! It will still be there later. I used to give myself a hard time if I didnt get the house work done but my husband said he rather I spent time with and sat and played with our daughter and we did the house together at the weekend. Im lucky that hes supportive that way.
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 20:38 14 December 2007 I also have a supportive husband. He says the dirt won't go away we will get it cleaned up together.
curlyperkins joined 18 Nov 2007 13 posts	Posted by curlyperkins, 14:16 15 December 2007 I was interested to read about the fatigue management course and it occurred to me that maybe to NHS could help. They run an "Expert Patient" programme in a lot of Trusts which enables people with chronic health problems to manage their health. I don't think it has to be a "specific" illness like diabetes, arthritis etc, but can be anything. Maybe we would lobby our local PCT Expert Patient progamme organisers and ask about SAD support. The only reason I know about it is that I worked for the NHS for 20 years until last year and was involved in the receruitment for the course facilitators. Woorth a try?
Cazz joined 12 Dec 2007 2 posts	Posted by Cazz, 09:33 16 December 2007 Well done, Misty. Hope you get the help you need. My GP has been great - it was she who suggested SJW and even told me to eat a couple of squares of dark chocolate if I felt my mood flagging in the evening (just don't overdo it!). As for the libido, yeah, I had problems. Warning for the guys - chick-stuff ahead... Everything stopped for me, including my periods so I thought I was starting an early menopause (I'm 46). OK, that was a plus from my point of view but it really was proof there was something more going on that just in my head. Unfortunately things started up again as my body chemistry sorted itself out again but I'll take that as the price for not feeling so crappy. And Hubby was pleasantly surprised when a week into prozac I suddenly jumped him (heheh). On the exercise front - yes it's important but it doesn't have to be strenuous. Like I said in my earlier post, even a 5 minute walk round the block can do you the power of good. If you can manage more then great, but the important thing is getting yourself out in the air and daylight.
dixietrix joined 13 Dec 2007 3 posts	Posted by dixietrix, 22:29 16 December 2007 Im so glad I found this website. I was feeling really pants the day I wrote my last post and reading what you guys recommended, I went and sat in my conservatory for half an hour as it was such a beautiful sunny day. Just feeling the sun on my face recharged my energy and made me feel so much better. If I hadnt have read any of this, I would have just curled up and slept on the sofa! thanks for the good advise peeps! ; )
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 23:59 16 December 2007 glad you found the sun dixietrix. I will mabe see it tomorrow right now there is a blizzard outside.
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 12:22 17 December 2007 blizzar is gone and the sun will shine today bright blue sky and the sun isn't even out yet.
hannah1989 joined 25 Dec 2007 1 posts	Posted by hannah1989, 13:15 25 December 2007 Its christmas day, I cant stop crying and cant be bothered even opening presents. I hate suffering from SAD.
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 23:15 25 December 2007 hannah1989 I know how you feel. I wasn't crying but I didn't care if I opened any presents. We all hate suffering from sad but you just have to learn to live with it. SPRING is around the corner. Just Keep thinking that. It will be good for you.
sue joined 27 Oct 2007 16 posts	Posted by sue, 19:20 26 December 2007 hi hannah hope ur r feeling alittle better today we r all here for you as we have all felt the same way, i must say i love the run up til xmas but its all gone flat now and im desperate to take my decs down im feeling down knowing there isnt much to look forward to now but as stained glass lady said the spring is round the corner which is gd as we will all feel so much better,i hope it helps talking to people on this site and that u r able to talk to ur doctor and family and get some support.all the best and happy new year to everyone.sue
curlyperkins joined 18 Nov 2007 13 posts	Posted by curlyperkins, 23:15 26 December 2007 Hi Everyone Well at least Christmas Day is over - felt terrible all day but think it might be a bug as I feel sick and have cramps. Would have liked to stay in bed but at our daughter's and little grandson was up opening pressies at 8.00am. Had a call from my son holidaying in Portugal (21 degrees) should have gone there instead. At least when Christmas is over I know that the evenings are slowly getting lighter and can start the count-down. Hope the new year is better for you all,- it's really great to know that there are other people out there feeling like I do. At least you lnow that you are not completely neurotic.
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 23:22 26 December 2007 I also am glad the christmas is over. I was unemotional all day just wanted it to end. Was at my parents but it felt boring and just wanted my hubby to take me home. atleast everyone understood. Would have liked to been somewhere warm and sunny as well.
IrishMark joined 27 Dec 2007 6 posts	Posted by IrishMark, 23:26 27 December 2007 i also have sads. i think i have it pretty bad. i feel ashamed and disappointed by almost everything relating to me and my actions. this week-the week after the winter equinox seems to be my worst week.ive had it for 3 yrs. does ne1 else find this week is the worst? ps-try cod liver oil- i take 3 times the recommended dose (6 a day)-it helps with a light box
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 11:42 28 December 2007 IrishMark you should go to the begining of the form page 1 most everyone stays around there. Ask your questions and people will answer.
WannaBhappy joined 28 Dec 2007 1 posts	Posted by WannaBhappy, 11:55 28 December 2007 Oh my God! I'm shredding tears now. I didn't know that I have suffered from SAD. I broke up with my boyfriend last December and kept blaming his bad. Things weren't wrong but just my feeling wasn't right. After reading all your messages, I have noticed that I have got similar simptoms every winter. I hate myself, think negatively, want to be alone, can't communicate. I'm nervouse, paraniod and crying very often. I will to do some exercise and see if it helps. For those who can't sleep during the night, try to do some meditation. It will take you some time to put yourself into the steady state of mind but it works for me.
Jim747 joined 28 Dec 2007 1 posts	Posted by Jim747, 22:20 28 December 2007 I've never officially had it diagnosed but every winter the same happens, I become paranoid,restless in bed(although I spend about 18+hours a day in bed) depressed to the point of suicide so much so I changed career, to include frequent trips abroad to sunny destinations for the winter, I thought that would help to a certain extent it did last year, this year I am the same as I ever have been. I am at my wits end, I spend at least 10 days away in tropical destinations once a month and I still feel as bad as ever.
Pamg joined 31 Dec 2007 1 posts	Posted by Pamg, 08:49 31 December 2007 I was diagnosed 10 years ago with SAD after years of struggling with depression in the winter months. I lost friends at work, who were disgusted with my absense over the festive period, I work in nursing. No-one had any sympathy, and unless they have had depression themselves, were totally lacking in understanding. I have found that explaining doesn't help much, as those who don't suffer really cannot understand. I am on antidpressants year round, increased at the start of winter, and have had a light box for 3 years now. B what helps me the most is a holiday in the sun, I go tot th canary isles to get some sunshine at the start of winter, and again before spring. I am considering a permanent move simply because of how bad i feel in winter...I dread the clacks going back and know half of me goes to hibernate. This winter, so far, I have had bronchitis twice and a bout of food poisoning...lowered immune system not coping. I really think getting more sun is the main answer, for depression, and general health. It's good to know I am not alone, as this is such a lonely condition by it's very nature.
saki4848 joined 31 Dec 2007 1 posts	Posted by saki4848, 12:27 31 December 2007 Hello everyone, i suffer from winter blues, when its a cloudy day, raining, cold, i am very sad. This all starts from about November till March, and as soon as i see the sun i am a different person, cheerfull , happy, want to paint the town yellow. Doctors say anti depressents dont help that much out, although people do have to take them, this depression is very bad thing, when i am going through it i up set my wife, my 4 children; but when i am feeling a bit better they all thank the god. I really dont know how to come over this, so it does not happen to me every year, how can i finish this? I pray for all of you who go through this like i do too, may god help us. If anyone can suggest something please do so, very gratefull, thank you. Mohammed
Jaz joined 31 Dec 2007 1 posts	Posted by Jaz, 16:10 31 December 2007 hey guess part of the problem is admitting there's something 'clinical' wrong with us... is for me anyway. Feelin pretty destroyed by now as it's end of december. think gonna go and buy some yellow paint for my bedroom. ;-) are the light lamps really useful? i can't afford to fork out £100 odd on a lamp that MIGHT make me feel better... are there cheaper ones? spent my first 8yrs of life in a warm sunny bright country and moved to the UK as a kid - was wondering if that might make me a little more susceptible... does anyone have similar experiences of immigrating from a constantly warm and bright climate to one with dark to bright seasonal changes? So sick of this rollercoaster if can't fix it seriously considering headin somewhere warm permanently, but don't want to move so far from my family. maybe it'll all make sense in summer again. bless J
puddleshy joined 12 Nov 2007 37 posts	Posted by puddleshy, 16:33 31 December 2007 I lived in Asia for 17 years and have been back in UK for 10 and have been miserable without realising it - until this winter when things got really bad - started AD's today and have a lamp which does make me feel a bit better but I'm all over the place starts around the time clocks change and get manic and happy when the daffodils start popping up! Christmas was a disaster although I put on a brave face for the photos - still haven't properly appreaciated my presents they are still in a pile on the floor behing the sofa!!!
puddleshy joined 12 Nov 2007 37 posts	Posted by puddleshy, 16:55 31 December 2007 I lived in Asia for 17 years and have been back in UK for 10 and have been miserable without realising it - until this winter when things got really bad - started AD's today and have a lamp which does make me feel a bit better but I'm all over the place starts around the time clocks change and get manic and happy when the daffodils start popping up! Christmas was a disaster although I put on a brave face for the photos - still haven't properly appreaciated my presents they are still in a pile on the floor behing the sofa!!!
Teri joined 7 Jan 2008 3 posts	Posted by Teri, 15:52 7 January 2008 I've just been told I may have SAD every winter for the last 5 years I end up really run down and around Christmas end up with severe eye problems so much so they swell up so I can't see, my Husband gets annoyed cos I'm so tired and don't want to go out anywhere or mix with people.I wake up and within a few hours am so tired again I thought I was cracking up.The worst is when I wake at 3am and then wander around the house for an hour or so.Any one else do this?I would be so grateful for any feedback as at the moment I just feel like a freak.
shelly joined 8 Jan 2008 2 posts	Posted by shelly, 10:45 8 January 2008 hi all i am glad its not just me i have suffered for 10 years and never tried the light box i have tried to fight it this year and got up until now without any help and it got me again so i am facing up to the fact i suffer every year and am now on prozac again i think i will invest in a light box as i am so fed up with feeling this way but prozac does help
Danny joined 8 Jan 2008 3 posts	Posted by Danny, 16:09 8 January 2008 In response to sad being related to winter birth - I suffer from acute SAD symptoms which can be devastating in the winter months, I find harshest times are from november to beginning May, though onset begins in sept-Oct. I am born in July, and actually had a theory similar to yours, I thought being born in summer might have affected my tolerance to winter. Now we are both perhaps that little bit wiser. Danny
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 16:32 8 January 2008 I don't think when you were born has anything to do with sad.
Danny joined 8 Jan 2008 3 posts	Posted by Danny, 16:44 8 January 2008 Yes sorry, I didn't explain properly above - I meant that when you are born has no relation to SAD, as the person I was responding to suggested that sufferers tend to be born in winter. But I am born mid summer. Danny
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 17:24 8 January 2008 I am born October.
Danny joined 8 Jan 2008 3 posts	Posted by Danny, 19:12 8 January 2008 In response to Teri 7th Jan; I can relate to your problems with sleep patterns in the sense of feeling tired all throughout the day and then at night time due to forcing myself to stay up during the day I normally do not go to sleep on time - also due to a lack of a natural cue for going to bed, so then I can be wandering around my house at unusual hours. Also in relation to eyes, mine have a tendancy to go red as I am trying not to sleep and not managing it very well, I even got asked at work if I had been taking drugs (due to red eyes and general confusion). I am not sure if this is of help to you, but sounds similar. Also you are definately not the only one who feels like avoiding all contact. I am planning on visiting my doctor this week, but have been putting off going because I simply don't want to see anyone if I have a choice, but I realise it is important to try not to close off completely. I find interpersonal contact - like communicating on here for example, helps to prevent or redress my social withdrawal, even if I often don't really feel like doing it. Danny
ryan.c joined 9 Jan 2008 1 posts	Posted by ryan.c, 03:32 9 January 2008 hey there, my girlfriend suffers from clinical depression and im wondering if anyone would know that if she had S.A.D would this be agitated by her ongoing depression and vice vera?? This would really help as she has changed so much during the winter months and after reading this article i think that it may hold an answear!!! ryan, also you can contact me on my email ryanculley@hotmail.com, thanks!
dbc joined 9 Jan 2008 1 posts	Posted by dbc, 14:22 9 January 2008 I have just come across this web site and found it most interesting. I have been off work since Sept 07 with most of the symtoms mentioned on this site however I have thought it was chronic fatigue / ME . But on hind sight I find that in the summer and spring I am fine with lots of energy. So much so that last year I was canoeing, hill walking and spending lots of time outdoors with no adverse effects. When the doctor suggested I might have SAD I said it couldn't be that as it started in Sept and not winter. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I live in the North of Scotland.
PJ joined 11 Jan 2008 1 posts	Posted by PJ, 17:09 11 January 2008 hi, I am a sad sufferer hav been for a number of years i am 50 should have it worked out by naw !!I can say that a light box helps a lot also going on walks,even if you don,t feel like it at the time make yourself go,also go out and mix with people ,because if you spend time on your own you will get worse.
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 21:13 14 January 2008 I agree 100% and that is what I do. I go the the YMCA (GYM) and spend my days there around people in the winter. This is do to the fact I live in a small town and there isn't much else to do.
purplewine joined 16 Jan 2008 1 posts	Posted by purplewine, 21:45 16 January 2008 Hi, I am so glad to find this website and read all your comments. I have had 3 colds since September and have felt so tired that today I had 3 naps, all unexpected, i.e. I just fell asleep. I moved in the summer and asked my ex-neighbours round at the end of August, I still have not had them round as I don't feel like socialising and the house has become a mess because I don't feel like doing anything. In the summer you can't keep me still, but in the winter I just want to sleep, like others though, I find myself up late, crying. I cry at the slightest thing and find it really difficult to talk to anyone I don't know very well. Yes, I think I must have SAD, but feel a bit stupid going to the Dr about it, and admitting my depressed feelings. Must do it though. Are there any other natural helpers, besides St John's Wort? Took that last year because fed up and ended up with palpitations and anxiety, I linked that with the tablets, now realise it was probably the SAD. Sorry, I have been rambling, so good to talk to people who understand!
rhiannon joined 26 Oct 2007 19 posts	Posted by rhiannon, 09:45 18 January 2008 I had the same thing with St John's Wort! I tried it last Winter and ended up having to go home from work after an hour because I couldn't do anything. I couldn't even type or pick up the phone becase I couldn't get my eyes or my hands to work! Not trying that again :) I've heard that cod liver oil can be good, although I've not felt any benefit when I've tried it in the past (but then different things work for different people). Also bananas, while tey won't cure you, supposedly increase your seratonin levels. I tend to just stick with cipralex and valium!
mads joined 20 Jan 2008 1 posts	Posted by mads, 20:25 20 January 2008 My mother has depression, my father had very serious depression, both my sisters have depression. I always hoped that i had evaded the illness. But im 21, and i have read all your comments, and finally accepted that, maybe i am a depressant too. Reading all the symptoms and comments made me feel more comfortable and at ease than i have in several months. My boyfriend thinks it is just a state of mind, and it drives me crazy that he cannot accept that i can not just 'snap' out of it. So now....what do i do...ive taken the first step to admit i have a problem, shall i use sunbeds to see if they make me feel better? go on holiday? and see what the changes are first or go to the doctor straight away?
justme joined 21 Jan 2008 3 posts	Posted by justme, 14:35 21 January 2008 I have had SAD for 28 years, starting at 13 and self diagnosed at 22, followed by 2 GPs confirmation (as required in Australia). I have also seen a psychiatrist who confirmed this was a biological condition in me (which basically answers all those who assume I put it on!) Each year it gets a little worse, requiring stronger medication to deal with it. I'm also quite sensitive to subtle weather changes. This summer we've had mostly rain and gray skies, so I'm finding myself requiring medication 3 months earlier than usual. If I don't treat it quickly I end up quite suicidal with it. I get full blown depression in winter, including social phobia, with all that means (don't eat properly, don't shower, can't sleep at night but sleep all day, crying all the time followed by no affect). It can be quite debilitating and is a genuine problem if you have career aspirations - I can't work anywhere from 2-5 months of the year depending on how severe it is.
rhiannon joined 26 Oct 2007 19 posts	Posted by rhiannon, 16:38 21 January 2008 This is the first year tat I've been able to work in the Winter,and I've been doing really well up til now. But today I've spent most of my day sitting in the lab on my own staring into space and hoping my boss doesn't notice I'm not doing anything! Just hope I can get through the rest of the day without bursting into tears or shouting at someone...
JS101 joined 7 Dec 2005 12 posts	Posted by JS101, 15:04 22 January 2008 There is a proper forum
rhiannon joined 26 Oct 2007 19 posts	Posted by rhiannon, 15:51 22 January 2008 I like this one
JS101 joined 7 Dec 2005 12 posts	Posted by JS101, 18:54 22 January 2008 Not having a go. Amazed that a comment facility has turned into a one thread forum. Concerened that people seeking a reply will be overlooked on comment pages. More people frequent the actual forum accessed by clicking on the forum tab near the top of the page. Not long left to endure SAD this season. Yay!
Crochethook joined 22 Jan 2008 1 posts	Posted by Crochethook, 23:13 22 January 2008 Johnny really doesn't have a clue about SAD. It is a true physical disorder. I'm 60 and have had it since I was in high school. Light, anti-depressants, food, exercise, nothing has worked. What has worked best is sitting on the landing of my staircase in full sunlight on the days there is sunlight. I just keep telling my self by April the days will be longer. You can imagine the shape I'm in by March. No one else in my family understands SAD and I'm just a teeny bit tired of people saying "just think positive".
annap1976 joined 23 Jan 2008 1 posts	Posted by annap1976, 14:52 23 January 2008 Oh my god. I've always laughed at my husband when he has said he thinks he suffers with SAD, but after reading this lot, I think I had better start listening to him. You poor people, it must be awful to go through this!
Poo Bear joined 23 Jan 2008 2 posts	Posted by Poo Bear, 15:53 23 January 2008 Hello every one I have recently come to terms with having SAD I have made the conection to playing computer games alot recently over the last year or so mostly in a dimly lite room with no direct sun light. It all started to take effect when we moved house we moved from a well lite 4 bed room house with and east facing view with no sun light restrictions to a bungelow north facing some of the rooms never see any sun light so you may want to take a look at your living quaters to see how a sudden change may of brought SAD on. But I can se a direct link between SAD and computer gaming when speaking to fellow gamers over the inter net.
Stained Glass Lady joined 5 Dec 2007 423 posts	Posted by Stained Glass Lady, 18:26 23 January 2008 You all need to go to the form and look at the begining pages. They are where you will find the answers to most of your questions. That's where we all are.
nickwisp joined 27 Jan 2008 1 posts	Posted by nickwisp, 13:54 27 January 2008 Hello Everyone, God Bless you all, I really feel for you all and understand all your comments. I Live in the U.K. and have suffered for years, however,it is only in the last two that I have received treatment. This is Prozac and seems to help me through and gives me a little bit of hope. I find that exercise is also a good help ,swimming, bike riding or even walking in forests.- Exercise helps you to want to eat,sleep etc. I know it can be hard to motivate yourself towards exercise sometimes , but its helps. Really,try it. The last couple of days in the U.K.(Essex) has been sunny and I have been feeing 'on top of the world' today(I went for a bike ride),I hope this continues ,as I feel at last after many months my s.a.d. could be at an end for this year. May the sunshine come to you all soon! Good luck! Please feel free to contact me... Nick Johnson nickwisp@yahoo.co.uk
wasteland joined 28 Jan 2008 1 posts	Posted by wasteland, 13:00 28 January 2008 Hello everyone =] I'm hoping to compile a media campaign for SAD awareness as a Media Studies A Level student. Of course what I hope to achieve is nowhere near enough, in terms of SAD publicity, but I'm hoping that my campaign will raise awareness within the school at least. SAD is too often dismissed as being "under the weather", but what people don't understand is that SAD is a disorder of which sufferers need help and support. So many hide their symptoms and fail to seek help because they believe themselves to be dramatising things. I have suffered from SAD myself, and I also suffer with phases of depression. I find the winter months, though some years being worse than others for reasons unknown, cause my depression to be worse. It would help me if I could get some replies suggesting approaches, aspects that should be known. For example, what oppression do SAD sufferers experience? Maybe common fears or symptoms: we can all read symptoms on the internet but it's not quite the same. I'd appreciate hearing from you =] Best wishes xo
peter skeffington joined 29 Jan 2008 3 posts	Posted by peter skeffington, 07:39 29 January 2008