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Living in the present and actions to reduce anxiety
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Feb 11, 2020 | Replies (43)Comment receiving replies
Hello, @suz55 - from what you said about depression and anxiety being in your DNA, I'm wondering if perhaps you have relatives who have also dealt with these?
I also live in the Midwest, and the amount of sunshine is indeed different than when I lived in the West, in the Denver area, which is known for over 300 days of sunshine per year. I also have depression and anxiety, but I'm not sure if I've seen any seasonal difference.
A relative of mine got his own light box for use over the winter by ordering it on the internet, and he thought it helped a great deal. @merpreb @jh31251 @joyces @jakedduck1 @johnhans have all mentioned light box therapy in discussions on Connect and may have some thoughts for you on it, and whether they have personally tried it and where to source one.
Are you noticing a significant difference in your moods in the wintertime, suz55?
Replies to "Hello, @suz55 - from what you said about depression and anxiety being in your DNA, I'm..."
@lisalucier This is my first winter in my new state. Like you mentioned, I moved from an area where there is a lot of sunshine. Here, there have been many "grumpy days" as I call them, with overcast/showers/rain. Even a half hour of sunshine is cause [for me, at least!] to do a happy dance and get outside. Learning to be joyful outside even if the sun is not showing, telling myself that there is sun somewhere behind those clouds, and just getting outside, helps. It seems to help to challenge myself to be happy with the weather each day, no matter where it lies on the spectrum.
Ginger
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@suz55 the evidence for light box therapy is not proven. However, as noted, some people say they have seen improvement with it. I do know that extended periods of cloudy weather like what is happening now in the middle of the USA, can lead to feeling more depressed. If you would like to try a light box, you could talk with your doctor about what they think of it and if there is any reason for you to get one. If they do approve of you getting one, then getting a prescription for one from your doctor would be good because sometimes insurance will pay for it when you get a prescription.