Sudden affective disorder (depressed, vitamins, deal, cold)

[RUBIES77]

Does anyone suffers from Sudden or Seasonal Affective Disorder, and if you do, how do you cope with it in the winter?

[pinda]

I have tried just about everything you can think of to deal with SAD. The 10,000 LUX lights only helped a small amount, 5 HTP or Amoryn (with 5HTP in it) helped a bit more, but I do not like the side affects it has on me, so I am not going to take it again. Really good vitamins helped the most, but when it comes right down to it, I have to move down south. My husband and I have been preparing now for quite a while to move. Neither of us really want to, I just have to. I am hoping he can move within the next few months, otherwise, I will have to go south on and off this winter like I did last winter. Financially difficult to do though.

Good Luck, Let me know if you would like anymore specifics that might help you. I have been trying to get help for 6 years now.

[allforcats]

Seasonal Affective Disorder is experienced by some people who have moved to western Washington state from more sunny areas of the country. Here are some ideas from them.
I believe this is sometimes called Sudden Onset Seasonal Affective Disorder.

How do you guys deal with SAD?
Want to move to WA but scared of SAD
How well do light boxes work for SAD?

[Woof Woof Woof!]

I know this will upset folks, but I think this SADs thing is a bit of an over reaction. Who doesn't get depressed when it's cold and dark out? If you're depressed already, then you get more depressed in the winter. You just have to force yourself to be more active. Times are tough and we just need to toughen up a bit more. For example, I can't afford heat, so I have to freeze all winter. No fun!

[hdzup3]

i just started another thread not realizing what it was called. yes i feel the weather affects me.. i just cant keep warm.. thats what bothers me. i just want to stay bundeld all day, am always cold and it hurts to be cold. dont want to do anything when its cold. and when the sun isnt out and its cold.. ughh.
i am moving to florida soon. i absolutly love the humid weather.

[averagejoe76]

Yeah I have Issues with SAD,I think the full spectrum lights help...
I cant afford the big box you can buy.But i think having one bulb can help..
I bought one at a health food store for about 8$.
It also helps to exercise i think.

[Six Foot Three]

I really suffer from that as the Winter depresses me severely too.... so open all the blinds/curtains when it's sunny and get the NATURAL light in. I go to the park almost everyday at lunch and sit in the Sun and it really revitalizes me and as an added benefit it's keeping my tan where my skin is exposed and also getting Vitamin D which is the most beneficial to us. I never where sunscreen.

[luzianne]

I just suffer through it. I hate it though. I have said hundreds of times that I wish we could have March through November then start over again. I could do without December, January and February. So depressing. The only reason I include November is I kind of like the first part of winter - the gray skies and brisk cool wind. But by the end of November I've had enough - time for spring!

[cb at sea]

I get cold (and can't warm up) and hurt in the winter, too. I HATE winter! We do try to at least take a winter vacation in a warm area, when possible. It really does help!
I just try to get into the best shape I can PRIOR to winter setting in, because I know I will stop being so active...and that's not good!