SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder

Posted by Merry, Alumni Mentor @merpreb, Jan 14, 2019

I have wondered if January brought a deeper tendency for me to be either more depressed, deeper down depressed, or if I was just imagining it. But lately on Connect I hear a lot of the same complaints- "I'm so down; I don't care if I get out of bed;..."
I have just emailed my doctor about this and if a special light would help.
This article by Mayo Clinic also offers information about the lights themselves.
Who also feels like this? Maybe it's not getting worse but the lack of light that is exacerbating depression, which makes me more anxious. It's such a vicious cycle. Reality is that our storms are increasing in numbers and getting larger and longer lasting. Therefore there is less light getting through from the sun. At least that is what it is in New England.
So, what do you all think?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

Ethan McConkey, Moderator | @ethanmcconkey | Jan 16, 2019

Hi @merpreb you may have noticed I added this discussion to the Depression and Anxiety group as well so that more members can take part in this discussion.

This is a great discussion to get going and I wanted to start out by tagging @pearlbaby7 who has mentioned Seasonal Affective Disorder in the past.

Back to you @merpreb how have you been feeling? Did you doctor get back to you about the effectiveness of a special light?

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 16, 2019

Hi @ethanmcconkey - I ordered a light and should be getting it today! I have PTSD so I'm prone to depression. Welcome @pearlbaby7
Yes my doctor had ordered it for one of her sons and she said it works for him. Keeping my fingers crossed

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Jan 16, 2019

@merpreb It will help seasonal affective disorder if you make sure your Vitamin D levels are optimal. Your doctor can test this. My doctor has me take a K2 D3 supplement (in same pill) from Ortho Molecular. The K2 is important to help the absorption of D3. If you are not getting enough sunshine, your body isn't making it's own Vitamin D, and winter makes everyone in the Northern hemisphere deficient. Vitamin D is used by the body for your immune system and hormone function, so very important.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 17, 2019

@jenniferhunter - Thank you. I really appreciate your concern. I'm pretty much on top of it. I've needed to supplement Vit D3 for a number of years now. K2? Is this CBD?

Parus | @parus | Jan 17, 2019

I have also been taking D3 for nearly 10 years now. I take 4000 IU daily as directed by OB/GYN.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 17, 2019

@jenniferhunter- I bought an Verilux Happy Light and used it yesterday and today. I have no idea yet if it will help. I had to do an eye test to make sure I don't have any adverse effects, like headaches, etc. I'm not selling this product nor advertising it, we can't. I'll keep you all updated!

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 17, 2019

In reply to @parus "I have also been taking D3 for nearly 10 years now. I take 4000 IU daily..." + (show)

Good morning Parus.

Parus | @parus | Jan 17, 2019

In reply to @merpreb "Good morning Parus." + (show)

@merpreb Back at you lightshine! I always have lots of lights on!! It also helps my mood(s) to play with pen and paper. A once avid birder and still lover of the birds. A playtime.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 17, 2019

In reply to @parus "@merpreb Back at you lightshine! I always have lots of lights on!! It also helps my..." + (show)

@parus- WOWOW. This type of drawing takes many hours and patience. I do watercolors, or have done them in the past. I really hope to take it up again.
The light that I am referring to is a special bulb-Energy Lamp emulates natural daylight to deliver white light for improving overall mood, energy and concentration. The HappyLight's Natural Spectrum light stimulates the body's natural energy enhancers without exposing you to harmful UV rays.