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.

@parus

@merpreb With the scoliosis my positions cannot be stationary for longer than an hour. I sit in a recliner with my feet elevated trying to keep as much pressure off of my spine as possible. I have rolled up a bath towel holding it in the rolled position with rubber bands. I use this on my thighs to prop up the clipboard. This way I can keep my neck more upright with some support. My drawing tools are on a small table next to my chair. It works for me. I set a timer to remind me to get up and move for a bit and do some stretches or I will not be able to draw as much. There I go drawing pictures with words again. These drawings are 9 x 12.

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@parus Hi yes we do what we have to keep comfortable. I use my walker when I go out to take the pressure of my back Do you have one?

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@lioness

@parus Hi yes we do what we have to keep comfortable. I use my walker when I go out to take the pressure of my back Do you have one?

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@lioness No I am not in need of a walker at this point. Just constant hurting that are more than just aches if this makes sense. Rest well cyber buddy.

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@parus

@lioness No I am not in need of a walker at this point. Just constant hurting that are more than just aches if this makes sense. Rest well cyber buddy.

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@parus you too cyber buddy went shopping today and home in my recliner on heating pad ,there showing a movie but to tired to go down.

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@merpreb

@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!

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@jenniferhunter- It works!

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@merpreb

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

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Are you feeling the effects yet?

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@pearlbaby7- Oh yes! I haven't been depressed since the first day! I'll use it year round if I have to. I also take vitamin D, 3000 daily. What about you?

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@parus

@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.

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@parus So beautifully done! And intricate! Wow, such talent. Is this drawn in ink? I just love 💕 it!

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@becsbuddy

@parus So beautifully done! And intricate! Wow, such talent. Is this drawn in ink? I just love 💕 it!

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@becsbuddy Yes, it is ink.

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@merpreb

@pearlbaby7- Oh yes! I haven't been depressed since the first day! I'll use it year round if I have to. I also take vitamin D, 3000 daily. What about you?

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Yes. I started Vitamin D about 5 years ago. It's a fat soluble vitamin and being plus size mine is sitting in my fat. 😀
I got relief with my light fairly quickly but not the next day. I'm happy for you!
When I moved 3 hours south I wasn't as dependent on my Sunbox light as much. My apartment I have now is fairly dark and I don't get out much so my light is more important again, especially if we have extended dark cloudy weather. Summer I'm good though.

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