I deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) that causes mostly fatigue, some anxiety and sleep disturbances during certain times of the year. It was once thought that it only manifests itself dduring the spring or the fall and in my case it started in May and seems to be ebbing as we enter autumn.. Many doctors do not recognize it however the wife of my primary care doctor also deals with it so I have a sympathetic listener in regard to SAD.

By the way I do research and send the information to MCC even if I am not afflicted with that particular problem but rather so those who are can be aware that there are researchers who are working to find answers that will better the lives of those who are suffering from those particular maladies.

@ladybugmg, Hello. My daughter also suffers from SAD. I was considering getting her one of those special lamps that mimic sunlight. Have you heard of or used anything like that?

I have done research about the special lamps and apparently that helps some people but not others so the results are mixed.

I live in area of the country that has high temperatures during the summer however when it is cooler I try to be outside in the natural light as much as possible. Starting in May of this year when it began to get too hot to be outside I began to feel very lethargic which increased in intensity during June and July but I noticed that in the last couple of days I began to feel more like my normal self.

I found that the mornings were worst but I am strong willed so even though I had to rest more, even falling asleep for a short time, I concentrated on doing something that takes my mind off the lethargy. My laptop computer is attached to a monitor so I access programs, such as old Andy Griffen (sp) sitcoms or others that make me laugh and that seems to help lift my spirits.. I also keep a lamp with a very bright light next my desk and sometimes that makes difference.

Some SAD patients say that they use meditation successfully and sometimes that also helped me. I will keep doing research about SAD and post the information to MCC.

@ladybugmg

My son also has SAD. However, his depressed time starts when it's Autumn and the sun is not shining for as long each day. He uses his full spectrum light box from the through winter, and can put it away when Spring arrives with its longer days. He's OK during the summer. He's also taking Paxil year round. The light does help him somewhat, but not as much as he had hoped.

From your post, it sounds as though your SAD happens at the opposite times of the year from my son's. Please correct me if I'm not understanding your post accurately. I know some people react differently to the sunlight.

Thanks, Gail
Volunteer Mentor

Gail

This is my first experience with SAD so I am still in the learning stage as to how effects me. The doctor prescribed Tizanidine to be taken at bedtime however even though I filled the prescription have not taken any of it. So far I have learned that SAD can occur at different times of the year but for a long time it was thought to only occur during the winter months.

I think there is some factor(s) about SAD that is being missed by those treating patients, such as a vitamin or mineral deficiency so I am experimenting with drinking a glass of Emergen-C 1000 mg Vitamin C in the afternoon which seems to give me both a physical and emotional lift.

I am also beginning to wonder if there is some connection between dropping barometer readings and the onset of SAD as I find the condition is worse on cloudy days. Does your son notice this?

@ladybugmg

Thanks for your reply. I'm not up on the latest research on SAD as my son lives on the east coast. Since I don't live with him now that he's older, I'm not aware of how he reacts to other stimuli as far as SAD. I'll ask him when we talk next. I do think you're right about there being additional things going on with this kind of depression.

I take Emergen C to head off colds on occasion and I thought I felt energized by it, but I convinced myself it was my imagination. Perhaps it's real! I must limit my intake of Vitamin C since I have interstitial cystitis which flares when I have too much C.

Good luck with your research into SAD. I hope you will continue to share your insights into this form of depression for all of us.

Thanks, Gail
Volunteer Mentor

A major episode seems to suck the life out of me. Winston Churchill referred to his depression as his ‘black dog’. Coincidentally, I lost a 13year old black dog unexpectedly on July 4, which doubtless triggered part of this issue. I tell my wife that it feels like I have had a blanket put over my head. No light, no escape, little will to live, but not enough courage to terminate my being. Being cowardly is a plus and a minus, but in 3-5 days it usually resolves. It has been a month this time, and it has been almost like a relapse, but I am working through what I can. I’m retired, bored, but do some volunteer work in my church and denomination. Perhaps God will intervene, but those interventions come slowly for me. God seems to have a lack of punctuality...and I am weary of living like this, but my options are limited for now.

Hi, Mr. "elwooodsdad!" Your sweet dog is still with you in spirit, and will never go away, though I know you miss his physical being. I have a pretty beagle named "Amazing Grace" (or Gracie), and she lives up to her name. When her time comes, I will miss her deeply, but I will retain her love. Never, ever consider terminating your own life! You are loved. In your mind, there are thoughts that worry you and belittle yourself. Wash those thoughts away, and leave only the positive ones. You are your own best hero, and I know there are many good things from past years that you can dwell upon. Continue your volunteer work, and know that God is often slow in our eyes, but he works toward mighty goals of which we cannot be aware. Look forward to that wonderful day when His goals for you come to fruition! Until then, do His work and see all of the positive changes you can make in the lives of others! Smile and speak to everyone you meet, and stop along the way to help when you can! Then, SURPRISE!!!...IT WILL BE A BETTER DAY! Love and prayers for you!

@elwoodsdad, My darkest episodes also always come from major life changes. When I unexpectedly lost my12.5yo black lab, Molly, a cloud descended that didn't lift for months, even with the companionship of my newest rescued dog. I liken my episodes to walking underwater. I cant feel, think, or care about anything. I try to keep as busy as possible but am still bored because nothing seems to matter. Life is full of rote responses and actions. I never get enough sleep. I don't feel hungry. I feel angry with God for letting this depression exist. The only thing that gets me through each episode, no matter how long they are, is to remember I always have before and will again. You will too, keep hold of that.

HI johnsonk. I know exactly what you are going through loosing your beloved dog. I unexpectedly lost my 2 1/2 year old Giant Schnauzer in February of this year. Iam still devastated by the loss. My dogs are family to me and it hurts just as bad to lose them as family.