Seasonal Affective Disorder

Posted by saspier @saspier, Aug 15, 2011

I am curious about this mainly because I am symptomatic of this disorder. Is this truely something I would need treatment for or is this just another "disorder" that doctors and scientists want to benefit financially from. I am not trying to bash those people at all, but the people I have asked are devided pretty evenly and have told me that this is all in my head or this is something I need to have checked out. Please give me your opinions and if you have been treated for this please tell me if it was benficial, how long it took (or is taking) and if you would suggest this to me.

Thank you,
-SS

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

It is very real and has been extensively documented in studies around the world (or at least in countries that have a lot of darkness at some part of the year).

The best thing to do is take charge of your own health and do as much research as you can into this mood disorder. Keep a daily mood diary (there are some online for free) and watch as winter approaches how your mood shifts and then eventually lifts-- this will offer a doctor and any doubters empirical proof. I kept a mood diary for three years and there was a definite 12 week depression every year.

Things you can do:
1. Take anti-depressants SSRI (seratonin is what you need)
2. get a lot of light, natural or of a certain kind, early in the day.
3. Exercise and eat well.
4. Get involved with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (read or get therapy)

It is a very real thing. And you can get some if not total relief but it takes patience and perseverence. You must be the expert of your own body. Don't let other people tell you how you feel or don't feel. Don't give up. :))

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@ista

It is very real and has been extensively documented in studies around the world (or at least in countries that have a lot of darkness at some part of the year).

The best thing to do is take charge of your own health and do as much research as you can into this mood disorder. Keep a daily mood diary (there are some online for free) and watch as winter approaches how your mood shifts and then eventually lifts-- this will offer a doctor and any doubters empirical proof. I kept a mood diary for three years and there was a definite 12 week depression every year.

Things you can do:
1. Take anti-depressants SSRI (seratonin is what you need)
2. get a lot of light, natural or of a certain kind, early in the day.
3. Exercise and eat well.
4. Get involved with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (read or get therapy)

It is a very real thing. And you can get some if not total relief but it takes patience and perseverence. You must be the expert of your own body. Don't let other people tell you how you feel or don't feel. Don't give up. :))

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You can try a special type of light which is specific for SAD. Sitting under this for a few minutes each day may help. Also increasing your vitamin D is another option - check with your Dr. on both of these items. I'm not a health professional đŸ™‚ And no this is not in your head. Many many people get the "winter blues" due to the lack of sun and light during the winter months. Take care.

REPLY
@ista

It is very real and has been extensively documented in studies around the world (or at least in countries that have a lot of darkness at some part of the year).

The best thing to do is take charge of your own health and do as much research as you can into this mood disorder. Keep a daily mood diary (there are some online for free) and watch as winter approaches how your mood shifts and then eventually lifts-- this will offer a doctor and any doubters empirical proof. I kept a mood diary for three years and there was a definite 12 week depression every year.

Things you can do:
1. Take anti-depressants SSRI (seratonin is what you need)
2. get a lot of light, natural or of a certain kind, early in the day.
3. Exercise and eat well.
4. Get involved with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (read or get therapy)

It is a very real thing. And you can get some if not total relief but it takes patience and perseverence. You must be the expert of your own body. Don't let other people tell you how you feel or don't feel. Don't give up. :))

Jump to this post

Its real.Good advice given here.I was diagnosed with it many yrs ago by a therepest...She made me realize I was only having problems during 2 months out of the yr and the same 2 months always.That was very helpfull because now I know when to expect it.I take celexa(an antidepressant) all yr long with xtra vitamin D.Im doing much better.Definantly make a chart to see when things are the worst for you so you know when.

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Hello Saspier, I too suffer with sad. I am selling my home in order to leave the long dark winters of Alaska. I have taken anti-depressants for 3 to 4 years; zoloft, cymbalta, wellbutrin, others with little to no improvement. I have also gone to therapy with poor results. The stigma society associates with sad, depression. dysthemic disorder make it harder for people like me to be in social settings. My suggestion to you, has helped me; outdoor activities; sports, walking, hiking, and yes even forums like this one seem to make a difference. Anything you can do to keep your mind off of sad will help, even for a short period of time.

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@zenful

Hello Saspier, I too suffer with sad. I am selling my home in order to leave the long dark winters of Alaska. I have taken anti-depressants for 3 to 4 years; zoloft, cymbalta, wellbutrin, others with little to no improvement. I have also gone to therapy with poor results. The stigma society associates with sad, depression. dysthemic disorder make it harder for people like me to be in social settings. My suggestion to you, has helped me; outdoor activities; sports, walking, hiking, and yes even forums like this one seem to make a difference. Anything you can do to keep your mind off of sad will help, even for a short period of time.

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I think you may be right. Soccer has really kept me energetic and happy.

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Thank you everyone for your advice đŸ™‚

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@zenful

Hello Saspier, I too suffer with sad. I am selling my home in order to leave the long dark winters of Alaska. I have taken anti-depressants for 3 to 4 years; zoloft, cymbalta, wellbutrin, others with little to no improvement. I have also gone to therapy with poor results. The stigma society associates with sad, depression. dysthemic disorder make it harder for people like me to be in social settings. My suggestion to you, has helped me; outdoor activities; sports, walking, hiking, and yes even forums like this one seem to make a difference. Anything you can do to keep your mind off of sad will help, even for a short period of time.

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Great news saspier......keep up the activiites in order to enjoy life to the fullest!

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@saspier

Thank you everyone for your advice đŸ™‚

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You are very welcome, I also use a happy light and take vitamin D daily.

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