Seasonal Affective Disorder

LegacyUser

Around mid Autumn, just about when school starts I get very sad (I don't want to use the word "depressed" because I don't really want to -say- I have depression, I'm no psychiatrist) especially as the nights get longer and we have less daylight. I've noticed it happening the last few years with this year being the worst, last night I went to the shops at around 9 o clock and it was fully dark out, and when I stepped outside my door I changed completely, I felt like I was about to start crying on the street, everything seemed so hopeless. The past few nights I have felt so sad, especially when I'm on my own and I feel like I'm about to cry for no reason, I also get mildly panicky about really stupid stuff, and I feel really stressed and tense.

Then I was reading up on Seasonal Affective Disorder and a lot of what is described I could see in myself, but as I've already said, I don't want to go sticking labels on myself to try and figure out what's wrong with me, but I really feel this migth be it, how do I know if it is? I wouldn't really be that keen on seeing a specialist as I don't want to seem like I'm an attention seeker, and my parents may think I'm blowing teen angst/PMS out of proportion if I go to them.

Red Alert

Is there anything else in your life that you associate with this time of year? Like returning to school/college or similar?

SAD is a recognised condition, and light-therapy is often prescribed. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about it.

LegacyUser

Red Alert wrote:

Is there anything else in your life that you associate with this time of year? Like returning to school/college or similar?

SAD is a recognised condition, and light-therapy is often prescribed. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about it.

Returning to school I don't mind so much, I was really looking forward to this year because it's Transition Year, but with not getting homework and stuff in the evenings I've felt quite lonely and sad. I'm trying to meet up with friends in town after school once or twice a week but i have a feeling the weather will just make me feel bad when I go out to meet them.

Love2love

Maybe if you try to associate this time of year with something good. I used to feel like this at this time of year also but I think that was because of school and college starting and responsibilities. Now when the days become shorter, I begin to think about xmas and other things associated with this time of year that I love.

WunderFull

SAD nothing to be embarrassed about - it's a population-wide phenomenon, just that some people get it worse than others.
Btw teen angst and PMS are issues not to be taken lightly - as a teen, hormones etc are all over the place which is not blowing things out of proportion. PMS is officially a type of depression. (Believe me, I know far too much about these things).
If you're feeling down, have a chat with your local doctor, there may be something small he/she can do to help.
Eat lots of bananas as they are beneficial for depression and anxiety.

Marksie

here is a lionk to the sad association in the uk.

http://www.sada.org.uk/treat.htm

Go to your doctor if you are worried.

There is also the sick building syndrome: and since we have moved , people are dropping like flies! which may also be a factor!

The Hill Billy

OP - I've been there too. What Love2Love suggests regarding association is certainly helpful.

Make the most of your daylight hours. Try getting out for a good brisk walk at the weekends. The beach/countryside/parks are especially good.

This time of year is great for food if you are into it (harvest time & all that). Pick blackberries & make jam for a laugh. Buy/pick some apples & make a tart.

In the evenings - get out into your garden & check out the beauty of the Milky Way & the stars.

The Hill Billy

OP - You will find some useful information on this site:
http://www.sada.org.uk/

Let us know what you think of the advice given & what you plan on doing to help yourself.