Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

LegacyUser

So it’s that awful time of year again when the evenings are getting darker and some of us just want to hibernate and wallow. I’ve suffered with major bouts of depression for a number of years, it’s something that I’ve learned to manage through medication and life style changes. But every year like clockwork I’m affected by SAD. For many years I’ve thought about getting a light box but been put if off because of the cost. Instead I’ve turned to medication which does work…eventually. But now this year I’ve decided to get a light box.

I’ve found one Irish company based in Dublin but have been unable to get in contact with them, maybe they’ve shut down. Other than that I’ve seen a few advertised in McCabe’s pharmacy but these ones are no were near the required spec, they should be at least 10,000 lux. Because of the cost Id rather not buy online incase its faulty.

Has anyone on here bought one or know of a place that sells them?

Thank you.

diamond83

Hey mate,

I got a lamp there last year from a place called brighterday.ie.. The trouble is I cant use it coz im bipolar and i get highs/lows from it..
Id love to know did you get sorted out? Im really struggling with it at the moment and am thinking of setting up a supprt group for sad sufferers in ireland.. What you think?

lukesmom

I've been considering getting one also as my mood dips after Christmas

Emme

Boots in Dundrum were selling sunrise alarm clocks last year, they might be able to help you.

Chrisita

Has anyone here tried this. I used to get SAD over Winter but since starting to take a high dose of vitamin d as recommended by my doctor, I am not as affected. I am interested to know if anyone else has had a similar experience. Apparently our D levels drop considerably during Winter.

Rosier

lukesmom wrote: »

I've been considering getting one also as my mood dips after Christmas

Not SAd then as by then the days are starting to lengthen. SAD starts when the days start to shorten; I have M.E and that often carries SAD and with me it starts in August.
Many hit mood dips after Christmas; winter is still with us and nothing to look forward to.. with true SAD it starts to ease a little.
This is the worst time now until Christmas.
I tried a Light Box years back but cannot cope with bright light with the M.E. It was from a UK firm called Outside In.

Rosier

Chrisita wrote: »

Has anyone here tried this. I used to get SAD over Winter but since starting to take a high dose of vitamin d as recommended by my doctor, I am not as affected. I am interested to know if anyone else has had a similar experience. Apparently our D levels drop considerably during Winter.

Makes sense; did no tknow you got D in isolated form

Glad it has helped; running on fumes here

Tramps Like Us

Pretty sure I have this, every November (I've checked my diaries for the past few years) I tend to end up sleeping late and it becomes a huge task to get out of bed, I end up gorging on carbs, bread mostly, and gaining weight. And of course feeling miserable. I had thought it was because I wasn't very active but after a fantastic summer/early autumn where I've been really active with exercise and generally feeling great, without any change in my activity this yearly ****e has started again, the last week has been really hard.

Vitamin D tablets hasnt done anything for me.

What should I do to try and address this? I really dont want to take any drugs for it.

Tramps Like Us

Pretty sure I have this, every November (I've checked my diaries for the past few years) I tend to end up sleeping late and it becomes a huge task to get out of bed, I end up gorging on carbs, bread mostly, and gaining weight. And of course feeling miserable. I had thought it was because I wasn't very active but after a fantastic summer/early autumn where I've been really active with exercise and generally feeling great, without any change in my activity this yearly ****e has started again, the last week has been really hard.

Vitamin D tablets hasnt done anything for me.

What should I do to try and address this? I really dont want to take any drugs for it.

Chrisita

are the likely culprit, the man made ones anyway. Try more protein for a few day, especially last thing at night. This helps me to sleep better and awaken more refreshed. If is is the answer, you will know in a few days. Processed carbs completely undo me.