Does anyone have experience with S.A.D.?

[grannymh]

Apparently, S.A.D., Seasonal Affective Disorder, is being recognized in the lower 48.

Most of us are familiar with old fashioned cabin fever during a bad winter but apparently S.A.D. is worse. As for myself, this winter was more severe than usual. It started earlier and lasted longer without a real break from snow, ice, or gray skies.
I became sluggish and didn’t keep up with my normal tasks.

I would appreciate any kind of information about S.A.D. because I don’t want to go through another winter like this one. Going south is not an option.

Thank you for your kind help.

Blessings,
granny

All human life is worthy of profound respect from the moment of conception.

 

[IrishAm]

As one who really struggles from sunlight deprivation – but haven’t been willing to pay the big bucks for any kind of treatment – I’ve actually had good luck with a gizmo called a “Sunrizr dawn/dusk simulator.” I plug my regular lamp that is next to the bed into it, set it for the time I want to get up (the same time my alarm is set for), and my lamp (with a regular light bulb) very slowly gets light over a period of about 45 minutes in the morning, being fully lit at wake up time. Much like a sunrise would lighten a room. For those who have trouble sleeping (which is not me), the reverse darkening of the room can be set at bedtime as well.

For me, the gradual lightening of the room slowly brings me awake so that when the regular alarm goes off, I am much more ready to climb out of bed and begin the day. It has really seemed to lessen the mid-winter glums.

I think it cost between $150-200 from some mail order place in Maryland; have had it for about 5 years now so it seems like a good buy. I Googled it online and found a number of places that sell it, and am sure there are other comparable devices.

I also moved from Chicago to Virginia – but that may be a little extreme for most people to find some sunshine.

 

[jwatza]

my son and I get it pretty bad–this winter was rough. you can get special lights to help, also exercise and getting outside. google s.a.d and look into what light bulbs they suggest–it really does help. we also have lots of windows in the house to bring the outside in.

 

[holly_potter]

I’ve had it for years, but wasn’t diagnosed until recently. This winter has been pretty rough on me, too. There was a time when I was sleeping all the time, had no energy, and to even do the smallest of task I had to take frequent breaks to sit and do nothing (frequently, napping, even at work…).

Finally bf (now fiance) made me go to the doctor. (last time I thought I had some sort of depression a few winters ago, I had tried talking to my parents about it, and my dad went off on some sort of rant, saying, no, I don’t have it, I don’t know what I’m talking about, if I want treatment, I’ll pay for it all myself, it’s expensive, people will be prejudiced against you…so I never spoke about it again, not seeking treatment until I moved out.)

He put me on Zoloft, a half a pill a day. It had some effect, but I had to go to 1 pill a day for it to really help me get as closely to normal as possible. Sure, there were days that I had little energy, but not like before! It’s seasonal…he told me to take it starting in October and all the way until sometime in April. It’s pretty cheap meds, esp. generic.

So of course, like any other medical tips, always talk to your doctor. It was worth it, big time. I can’t believe I went so long without meds! How in the world did I get anything done in the winter months?

 

[Zelie_Louis]

Please consult your health practitioner to receive information about SAD. Do not inquire on CAF for medical advice. Thanks for your cooperation.