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Around this time last year, up until this spring, I was feeling sad and wistful about my past because 1) I was stuck in a small town, 2) there was nothing to do and 3) there was nothing interesting on TV then. Still kinda is....
Anyway, my point is, I found out that I may have had Seasonal Affective Disorder, which I think was the root of all this. Are there any people out there who have had this, and how did you overcome this? Thanks.
Try using one of those expensive light boxes for like 20 minutes everyday in the morning. Also keep your vitamins up with supplements, if necessary, but most especially vitamin D. Try to get outside and get sun whenever possible. Those are the best choices outside of getting actual medical help and being put on medication. Oh yeah, quit watching tv as its beyond depressing in and of itself!
The light box does work but Jason28's suggestion is cheaper.
Go outside everyday and soak up whatever VitD is available from the sun.
Remember, even if we say the sun isn't out, it still is there.
I would strongly recommend seeing a psychaitrist or licensed counselor. There are a lot of treatment options out there, and it's impossible to determine which one is best for you via. an online forum.
Last edited by ToucheGA; 09-27-2010 at 07:49 PM..
Reason: typo
Livivng in Seattle, there is alot of that out here. It's hard because the sun makes you feel better, but there isn't any. Try the light box. I eat yogurt. That helps a little bit (vitamin D). The times when it gets real bad, I try to take a trip, even a small one, to someplace that has sun. That one little trip gets me through the rest of the winter.
Get some of the full spectrum lamps and put them all over your house. THEY WORK! Then try to get involved in your community. Even if you are not that interested or think it will help. Fake it until you make it!
Around this time last year, up until this spring, I was feeling sad and wistful about my past because 1) I was stuck in a small town, 2) there was nothing to do and 3) there was nothing interesting on TV then. Still kinda is....
Anyway, my point is, I found out that I may have had Seasonal Affective Disorder, which I think was the root of all this. Are there any people out there who have had this, and how did you overcome this? Thanks.
Before you embark on anything you read here you'd better spend some time with you doctor to see just what is bothering you. As it now you letting the blind lead you into the unknown so don't do it !!
There are variations of season-based blahs..from just - blahs - to full out hard-core severe seasonal affective disorder.
If it's just generic cabin fever (winter blues) then it's common, most people in climates where there's cold air and short days will feel it, and you should just accept that you're in good company. Getting outside and breathing some of that cold air can actually help, especially if the sun is out. Make sure you're getting enough vitamin D too - normally you get enough of it just by being exposed to direct sunlight for 10 minutes per day. When the days are short and the skies are dreary, you might need to take a supplement. Check with your doctor on that.
If it's full-stop SAD, light spectrum therapy really does work, because lack of sunlight is the #1 contributing factor in the disorder. This isn't normal depression. Xanax won't fix it. Another useful tool is citrus. The taste of it, the sight of it, and the smell of it. There are natural citrus room fresheners that contain 100% citrus oil. You do -not- want "scented" oils. You want the actual citrus. It contains phytochemicals that affect the seratonin in your brain. Scented oils do not. Just a single spritz twice a day in the TV room can make a big big difference, though temporary, in your mood.
You'll also want to make sure you're getting plenty of exercise, if you have SAD (well even if you don't but especially if you do). Getting your circulation buzzing will help big-time.
Lastly, please don't assume you have SAD just because you have some or even many of the symptoms. Remember that most people living in northern climates get winter blahs. SAD is a physiological change, as well as a psychological change. Your entire body, literally, becomes depressed as a result of lack of sunlight. A doctor can determine whether or not this is what you're experiencing, as opposed to just the usual typical cabin fever.
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