Long-term depression

Hi, @elwooodsdad -- that sounds very hard living with feeling so sad. You have all the right things in place, with a psychiatrist and medication.

You mention going through a major issue right now, and I'm sorry to hear that. I'm wondering if you would share a bit about what it looks like when you have a major episode?

@ladybugmg -- with the research you shared on deficiency of acetyl-L-carnitine being associated with a particular subtype of depression, I'm wondering if this research has any particular significance for you personally?

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

One coping mechanism is to just let things be, and know it will pass. I find comfort in my pets, but sadly, I had a sweet dog die recently, and I am having issues with grief. Back to coping, it is helpful to just breathe, be quiet and coast. Giving oneself permission to feel is hard, but is a step. Concerned about recent suicidal ideation, but I let those pass, plus I no longer own,guns, for a reason. I fear this will be the death of me in time, and I just don’t care. I have no more to accomplish.

@elwoodsdad We do what we can. I no longer have guns. I believe this is a wise choice for some.

@elwooodsdad, Hi. My heart breaks every time I read a post on this site that reflects hopelessness. My beautiful daughter suffers from bi-polar disorder, so I am aware of how low depression can take a person. I see that Lisa has posted a Suicide hotline number. I hope you will post it in a handy place just in case you think you might act on those thoughts. Ride it out. It will pass.