Seasonal Affective Disorder ( Sad)

paulac

Hi,

The last few weeks I have turned from a happy go lucky person into someone who sleeps 12 hours a day, feels down in the dumps all the time and struggling to hold together day to day life. And I've begun to see a pattern, This has happened to me every year for the last few years and I slip into depression and it takes me a long time to pick myself up. I'd always assumed it was because my mam died this time a few years ago and I just thought that that was why I felt down.

I'm only 22, I've gone through my mams death, a 3 year war between some members of the family, I've done my degree and I've gotten on with my life. I know that I'm a tough cookie and I hate feeling like this. I've started a post graduate course in law and I can't concentrate, I cannot focus on anything and I just want to hide. I'm realy struggling with everything at the moment. I've been living with my sister since mam died and last month she moved to london to live her life so its just me and the doggy.

I read somewhere during the week of seasonal affective disorder which seems to cause all the problems that I'm decribing, its a more extreme case of the winter blues. My nana says that my dad sufffes from it but he wouldn't admit it. I heard that you can get special lights or alarm clocks with artifical sunrise that helps to alleviate the symptoms of SAD. Problem is, I can't find them anywhere, I was wondering if anyone knew where you could buy them. I've found them on the web, they just seem so expensive and money's a bit tight so I don't want to spend a fortune. I'd appreciate any advice,

Thanks

P

Ruu_Old

There was a thread not so long ago on this issue located here. Might be worth reading, best of luck.

Trinity

I've been feeling exactly the same the last few weeks. i am hoping its SAD, at least it would help to put a name on it rather than think i am going crazy!

I hope you feel better soon.

paulac

Ruu, thanks for the link and trinity, have a read of it, its very informative. If I find out where to get the products that help I'll let ya know!

-Kosh-

My mother and I get something similar, but I doubt it is SAD. Where we come from (Argentina), the seasons are reversed, and moreover, even in the peak of winter days are longer. The EARLIEST it gets dark in Buenos Aires is around 6.30pm, compared to around 4pm here in Ireland. For us it's been a dramatic change. We've dealt with it by busying ourselves, to varying degrees of success. Our problem seems to stem from feeling quite alienated from Ireland at times, and not feeling "at home".

I have no idea how relevant this is for you, but I hope it may help. Perhaps the weather is simply contributing to feelings because of your recent experiences, which sound quite tough. I hope you feel better soon.

Esel

A simple thing like opening your blinds/curtains before you hit the sack can help. The daylight in the morning helps you to get going.

Black Swan

You might want to consult your GP?

hadook

I've been feeling something similar lately so I went to the doctor. I'm now the proud owner of a deficiency that leaves me needing regular B12 injections for the rest of my life.
I'd been putting the excess tiredness down to work stress/ commuting and the change in weather. This time of the year is hard anyway as my dad died 3 years ago this November.

I'd definitely suggest a trip to the doctor - even if it's just for blood tests to rule out any medical problems.

Hitchhiker's Guide to...

Norman Rosenthal is the leading researcher in the area. Easons have some of his books.

http://www.normanrosenthal.com/

Things like increased light exposure have been used to alleviate SAD - maybe a holiday to a bright country (canaries?) would help. SAD is caused by the reduction in hours of sunlight between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice (primarily), so exposure to sunlight will be a positive.

A study by Murray (2004; http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=15839258) found that of 297 people surveyed for SAD in Melbourne, Australia over two years, only one person approached the symptoms of SAD. So, sunlight definitely helps!

craichoe

The most logical solution i could see to this problem is to move to a climate where the seasons will not have such an effect.

Good summer and Cold winters are alot better than All year rain.